A39 Camelford Crash: Road Reopens After 19-Hour Closure
A39 Reopens After Crash Closes Key North Cornwall Route
The A39 between Camelford and Davidstow is open again after a serious collision closed the road for almost 19 hours. Reports of the crash came in around 11:30am on Sunday, November 2, when a car and a lorry collided near Trewassa. Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that one person was seriously injured and a second person suffered minor injuries. The closure stretched from Collan’s Cross, near Slaughter Bridge, to the A395 junction at Trewassa, and traffic was diverted as officers and collision investigators worked the scene. The road finally reopened at about 6:30am on Monday, November 3, with the traffic monitoring service Inrix confirming the route was clear shortly after. Anyone who lives here knows how much this stretch matters. The A39 is the main artery through the Camel Valley, linking Camelford, Davidstow and the wider north coast, so a closure of this length affects everyone from school run parents to farm deliveries. Slaughter Bridge is a familiar landmark for many of us, tied to local legend and a popular spot for a stroll, and the Crowdy Reservoir turn-off nearby is well used by walkers. Police have not released details about what caused the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.
Who Was Affected and What Drivers Faced
The most immediate impact fell on the people caught in the queues. Local residents trying to reach work, hospital appointments and shops in Camelford found themselves facing long detours on minor roads, many of which are narrow and not built for heavy holiday traffic. Hauliers and delivery drivers, who rely on the A39 as a direct route, were forced to plan alternatives or wait it out. The lorry driver and the driver of the car involved are the people most directly affected, and our thoughts are with them and their families as they recover. Emergency responders also faced a long shift on a cold, wet November day. Local businesses along the route noticed the knock-on effect too. Cafes, petrol stations and village shops that depend on passing trade reported quieter hours, while others saw customers stranded and looking for somewhere to wait. The closure also reached visitors. Anyone heading west for a break, whether planning to go to Newquay or to book dog friendly accommodation on the coast, may have found their journey delayed for hours. That is a reminder that the A39 is not just a local road but a key link for tourism in north Cornwall.
What Residents Should Know and Watch Next
If you travel this road regularly, the practical lesson is simple. Check live traffic updates before setting off, especially at busy times and in poor weather, when a single collision can cause hours of disruption. Keep a spare phone charger, water and warm clothing in the car in case you get stuck. If you are planning a trip to the coast, whether for a surf at Fistral Beach or a long walk with your dog on the beaches nearby, build in extra time and consider an alternative route if you can. Police have asked anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has dashcam footage, to come forward, and they are the best source for updates on the investigation. Keep an eye on local news outlets and official police channels for any appeals or further information. For the wider community, the key question is whether this crash prompts any discussion about safety on the A39, including road markings, speed limits and passing places. Those conversations are worth following, because the road serves so many of us every day. For now, the route is open, the injured are being cared for, and we can all drive a little more carefully on the way home.
Source: Investigation work has concluded
