Keeping Cornwall connected

Tamar Crossings manages the operation of the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry, vital transport links used by around 18 million vehicles each year. In 2023, I was asked to support communications around a year-long £3.8 million maintenance scheme on the bridge, replacing aging waterproofing and kerb fixings to protect the deck from corrosion.

The challenge wasn’t just technical, it was practical. With more than 22,000 vehicles crossing the bridge every day, even minor lane closures risked major disruption. My role was to keep service users, councillors, media and Tamar Crossings staff well informed, well equipped and confident in the information they were passing on.

View of a large suspension bridge over water at dusk with a cityscape in the background.
Tamar Crossings logo featuring stylized crossing design with the words Tamar and Crossings.

Solutions 
& Approach

I created a clear, proactive comms plan before the works began, including a stakeholder briefing note, detailed FAQs, a staff script, and a short explainer video for the website and social media. Key messages were embedded across multiple touchpoints, from newsletters and press releases to signage and day-to-day service updates.

We also prepared a set of reactive materials to handle media interest and public concern, including statements, interviews and ongoing updates across channels. As the scheme progressed, I coordinated regular updates, produced videos with the project team, and supported the rollout of clear, calm messaging through every stage.

Small skid-steer loader on a bridge, working on asphalt resurfacing.
Multiple vehicles, including cars and buses, on a multi-lane highway near a toll booth with a canopy, in an urban area.
Construction workers on a building site with cranes and large arched structures in the background, branding for Aschlimann.

Outcomes & Impact

When severe weather caused delays to the final phase of works, the strong foundation of trust and communication paid off. I issued timely updates across the website, social media and press, minimising misinformation and helping people understand what was happening, and why. Transparency made a real difference to public response.

Throughout the scheme, staff, stakeholders and the public were kept in the loop. Instead of confusion or frustration, people got answers. Tamar Crossings was able to maintain credibility and confidence in a high-pressure context, and the bridge remained open, operational and safe for the communities that rely on it every day.

  • “Trisha has an excellent ability to take detailed technical information and present it in an engaging and meaningful way. Without doubt, her involvement improved the perception of the project and minimised complaints.”

    Richard Cole,
Engineering Manager Tamar Crossings

Public consultation done properly