'Significant' archaeological finds unearthed during A30 upgrade
Experts say items from the middle Stone Age to the 20th Century have been discovered
Last updated 19th Jul 2021
Bronze Age pots and a US Second World War D-Day embarkation camp are just some of the items unearthed along the A30 in Cornwall.
They were discovered between Chiverton and Carland Cross by Cornwall's Archaeological Unit alongside contractors working on the upgrade.
The archaeological finds are being described as significant.
What has been found?
- A flint scatter representing a working area which probably dates to the Mesolithic/Neolithic transition period, circa 6,000 years ago
- Beaker and Bronze Age pots, pits and roundhouses, circa 4,500-3,000 years ago
- Medieval ironworking and activity circa 12th-13th centuries AD
- A Second World War US ‘sausage camp’, an embarkation camp prior to D-Day, 1943-44
- An as yet undated but earlier route of what is now the A30, which has been identified so far at four locations along the new road
“We, along with our contractors, have been working closely with the Cornwall Archaeological Unit throughout the life of the scheme.
“Cornwall has a rich cultural heritage and the team have brought their expertise to bear in adding to that history. In keeping with Highways England’s approach to protecting the country’s cultural heritage, we want to ensure that archaeological remains are preserved and recorded.
“We’re delivering the biggest roads investment in a generation, and we are absolutely committed to conserving and, where possible, enhancing the historic environment around a number of schemes across the country.”
Josh Hodder, Senior Project Manager for the Highways England scheme
The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade includes:
- A 70mph high-quality dual carriageway
- A two-level junction at Chiverton Cross and a new roundabout to ensure the free flow of traffic on the A30
- A new partial junction at Chybucca built on two levels with west-facing slip roads to provide access onto the dual carriageway from local routes
- New bridges at Tolgroggan Farm, Pennycomequick Lane and over the Allet to Tresawsen road to provide local access
- A two-level junction at Carland Cross with a new roundabout north of the dual carriageway and re-using the existing roundabout to the south
- Keeping the existing A30 as a local route with new sections where necessary to provide continuity and connectivity for local communities
The £330 million upgrade is scheduled to be open to traffic in 2023.