Promised speed restrictions on the Penryn bypass are to begin next week - although motorists will get a taste of disruption over the coming few days.

As reported by the Packet back in May, a reduced speed limit is to be put in place on the entire stretch of the A39 between Antron Hill at Mabe and Union Road, off the Hillhead Roundabout to Falmouth, while work is carried out by South West Water.

A 40mph speed limit will be in place 24 hours a day, including at weekends.

Preliminary work has already begun on a £10.5million project to install new granular activated carbon filters at College Water Treatment Works, which supplies Falmouth and the surrounding area.

The filters are designed to remove natural and manmade organic matter sometimes present in Argal and College reservoirs, which supply the treatment works.

Cornwall Council had approved a speed restriction to be in place from May 27, all the way through to the scheduled end of the project in late September 2020, but so far South West Water has been able to start work without the need to enforce it.

However, workers have now reached a point where the lower speed limit is to come into action, from Monday next week, with additional lane closures through this week.

A spokesperson for South West Water said: “In order to minimise any disruption to road users, we were able to start this project without the temporary access and speed restrictions which were agreed with the highways authority.

“To ensure safe working conditions for our staff, Cornwall Council will be clearing vegetation from the roadside from Monday, July 1, which will require lane closures.

“We will display advanced warning signs at this time to inform road users of speed restrictions which will come into force on Monday, July 8.”

Normal access to the treatment works is through a nearby residential area, but to avoid a large number of construction vehicles having to pass through here, resulting in potential problems for residents and small businesses, a temporary access point has been agreed from the main road.

The project will also see some modifications made to the treatment works, to increase its capacity.