The Saltash tunnel is set to be closed at night for several months as an upgrade to safety equipment takes place.

Highway England is putting in state of the art heat and smoke detection systems as well as new emergency evacuation signs.

The £1.2m scheme will see almost 5,000 metres of cable installed inside the 410 metre long tunnel on the A38.

Highways England spokesman Julian Strong said: ‘The current detection system is still operational but this essential upgrade is needed to meet current standards, and the work to integrate the different systems is innovative.

‘This will enable automatic detection, without the risk of false alarms, and make the tunnel as safe as possible for all those who use it.

‘The installation and connection of the cable is a complex procedure, the work will take place under overnight closures to minimise its impact on people, and we apologise in advance for any disruption.’

Night time closures will start on Monday (November 26) with the work expected to be completed in the spring of 2019. A diversion will be in place via the B3271.