IVYBRIDGE commuters are in for a year of travel disruption as plans to replace a 'concrete cancer' riddled bridge are set to close part of the A38 for 12 months. The eastbound carriageway between the Marsh Mills and Deep Lane junctions is expected to be closed for a year while the construction to replace the Merafield Road bridge takes place. Preparation work has already begun on both sides of the A38 with a 50mph speed limit between the junctions. The eastern carriageway will be closed in spring next year with traffic being moved to a single carriageway which will be separated into four lanes. South West Devon MP Gary Streeter said the time scale will have a considerable impact on commuters using the road. Mr Streeter said: 'I am alarmed about the impact on local roads of the proposed work to the Merafield Bridge and I am discussing this with the Highways Authority next week. 'I am pleased that the new bridge will be constructed before the old one is taken out of service, but the impact on the A38 – the major route into Plymouth – will be considerable. I am looking into it and will do what I can.' Tom Davies, the Liberal Demo-

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