A38 Traffic News
The A38 is a lengthy route - in fact, it’s the second longest road in the UK, shorter only than the A1. It stretches from Bodmin, in Cornwall - at one end of the country - to Mansfield, in the east Midlands and the very heart of the UK.
Because of its reach right into Cornwall, one of the UK’s most popular holiday spots along with its geographical neighbour, Devon, the A38 has always traditionally been a major route for holidaymakers travelling down from the north. The volume of traffic may have eased slightly with the M5 taking a good deal of the strain, but it’s still very busy and delays are not unusual - especially in peak holiday season.
From Bodmin to Mansfield, the length of the A38 is close to 310 miles, covering several counties, including Gloucestershire, Somerset, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.
The A38 is often divided into three different sections of motorway and referenced in these terms - mainly because of the overall length of the route. These are:
A30 Midlands Section - starting at South Normanton, at J28 of the M1, and finishing at Shenstone, in the Midlands and the M6 Toll.
A38(M) Aston Expressway - this is a short stretch of road, incorporating the infamous Spaghetti Junction. It connects to the M6.
A38 Devon Expressway - this is a picturesque route that runs for just over 40 miles, starting at Exeter and ending at Plymouth.
If you’re planning to drive on the A38, check your route before you travel and keep up to date on any potential traffic issues and delays.
If you’re looking for peace of mind at home and at the roadside, have a look at our complete breakdown cover service today.
Worst Junctions on the A38
A lengthy route stretching from the mid-point of the country to one of its most southerly points, and heavy traffic flow - it’s no surprise that the A38 has junctions that experience build-up and result in delays for drivers.
Some of the worst and busiest junctions on the A38 are on the final leg of the route, from Exeter to Bodmin, moving from Devon to Cornwall. Congestion is common at several locations, especially during peak hours of travel, including junctions at Manadon, St Budeaux, West Mill and Marsh Mills. The Manadon roundabout has been described as Plymouth’s ‘worst performing’ junction.
The areas through Plymouth from Ivybridge to Saltash, and around Exeter, are notoriously busy.
Accident Hotspots on the A38
The A38 has a poor safety record.
Carkeel Roundabout, in Saltash in the A38, is known as an accident blackspot.
Another accident blackspot on the A38 is the Glynn Valley area, between Liskeard and Bodmin.
Issues aren’t exclusive to the southern end of the A38. The area of the A38 near Burton-on-Trent, in the Midlands, has also seen several accidents.
Upcoming A38 Major Roadworks
If you’re planning to drive on the A38 route, do keep updated on any traffic news. Use the RAC Route Planner app before you travel to be aware of any delays on the A38.
For up-to-date information about upcoming roadworks on the A38, please visit the National Highways website, or look up a specific postcode on the local council website.