Cornish businesses urged to play part in A30 upgrade amid jobs boost
Work is underway to dual the stretch from Chiverton to Carland Cross
Companies in and around Cornwall are being urged to play a part in the multi-million pound upgrade of the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross.
Bosses say the improvement scheme will not only dual an 8.7-mile section of single carriageway, alleviating the impact on local communities and helping to improve journey times and increase safety by unlocking one of Cornwall’s last major bottlenecks, but will also help to unlock economic growth in the county.
Costain, Highways England’s contractors, have been busy with the diversion of utilities, vegetation clearance and ground investigation work, and with the main construction phase of the scheme due to start this year, local businesses are being urged to get involved.
As construction activities increase in the area, so will job opportunities, both directly with the contractors and through the supply chain.
The types of services and people required will include plant, fencing, track matting, catering, cleaning, accommodation and hospitality.
“I am delighted work on this long-awaited scheme is under way – this part of the A30 suffers from major delays and congestion, particularly in summer, but that will soon be a thing of the past thanks to this upgrade.
“It’s also going to provide a fantastic economic boost for this part of the country, with construction bringing great opportunities for local businesses looking to get involved.”
Transport Minister, Baroness Vere
Through its procurement process, the company, responsible for England’s major A roads and motorways, appoints main contractors who in turn require their own supply chain, which provides opportunities for sub-contractors and sub-consultants to bid for work and become part of the extended supply chain.
“2021 is going to be a big year for the A30 project and we’re urging people and businesses within the local community to get involved. We are keen to offer job opportunities to local people, ensuring that we are fully inclusive of the diverse communities of Cornwall.
“Improving the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross is incredibly important for Cornwall’s future - it’s the only remaining stretch of single carriageway on the A30 between Camborne and the M5 at Exeter, journeys are regularly delayed, congestion often brings traffic to a standstill, and as a result the Cornish economy is being held back.
“Employing local people will also bring economic benefits during the construction phase of the project, and we will also be engaging with local schools and colleges to inspire, offer support and advice and to promote careers within the industry.”
Josh Hodder, Highways England’s Senior Project Manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme
The £330 million 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 cost of developing the scheme is being partly funded by an £8 million contribution from the European Regional Development Fund, with an additional £12 million for the construction phase. The remainder of the cost of developing and delivering the scheme is being funded by central Government.
Job opportunities and how to get involved
More details around job opportunities are available here and any companies interested in working on the A30 project are asked to register their details at a30supplierenq@costain.com.
Further information and updates will be available on the website, local residents and businesses can also sign up for email notifications here and there is also a dedicated community relations team available to answer any questions.
If you’d prefer to speak to someone, then you can phone the project helpline on 0845 600 2664 or Highways England on 0300 123 5000 and one of the team based on the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme will call you back as soon as possible.