Government invests nearly £80 million to build St Austell to A30 link road
Ministers say it will generate almost £112m worth of economic benefits
Last updated 3rd Jun 2022
A new road linking St Austell to the A30 has secured almost £80 million of investment from the Government.
Ministers say the link will reduce congestion, improve connectivity and generate almost £112 million worth of economic benefits.
Years in planning, the £85 million project was due to start being built in 2019 with an aim to completion in June 2022 – but various hold-ups have meant that work had yet to start.
The Department for Transport will provide a £78.5 million in funding, with the remaining £6.4 million coming from Cornwall Council; that is an overall investment of £84.9 million.
The financial approval means construction can begin, with a forecast to complete in Spring 2024.
What do we know about the link road?
The St Austell to the A30 link road is a new 3.9 mile single carriageway which will provide an improved link from the town to Cornwall’s main arterial route.
The single carriageway road, which will help divert traffic away from Clay villages like Roche and Bugle, will feature a shared cycle and pedestrian facility running alongside the full length of the project.
The Government says the scheme will create 6,300 new local jobs and will generate almost £112 million in benefits through reduced journey times and improved opportunities for green travel thanks to the scheme's new pedestrian and cycle facility.
The new road will be designed to a 60mph standard with three additional roundabouts to provide access to local communities.
Officials say the new link road will provide a high capacity, quicker route from St Austell to the A30, tackling the severe congestion experienced across the local road network, especially during the Summer.
'Reduced congestion, improved journey times and cleaner air'
Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, said: Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: "We are committed to delivering world-class infrastructure in Cornwall to ensure the local economy can truly thrive.
"This £78.5 million investment will improve connectivity and attract crucial economic investment for Cornwall and St Austell, while giving motorists, cyclists and pedestrians the modern, safe and uncongested roads they deserve.
"This scheme presents yet another important stepping stone towards cutting emissions and building a clean, efficient road network that is truly accessible to all".
Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor said: "This link will make a huge difference for residents and businesses who have wanted it for many years. We put forward a strong bid to Government and I’m delighted that the Department for Transport has now confirmed the funding. It will bring further opportunities to the St Austell area, including economic growth and improved access to Cornwall’s growing employment sites.
"There will also be a total of five-and-a-half miles of new paths and routes for walking, cycling and horse riding, as well as a ‘green corridor’ of wildflowers, heathland, trees, and shrubs to support wildlife habitats, insects, and pollinators as we work to support active travel and biodiversity as part of this vital project".
Councillor Andrea Davis, Chairman of Peninsula Transport said: "The Department for Transport’s financial backing for the St Austell to A30 Link Road scheme in Cornwall is excellent news. It is fantastic that these works can now go ahead, providing much-needed connectivity between St Austell, Newquay, other Cornish towns and the rest of the UK.
"It is these types of improvements that are key to levelling up the economic performance of the South West. This investment will bring far reaching benefits into the region by unlocking sustainable growth and supporting plans for future homes and jobs".
The scheme has received final approval, meaning construction can now begin. It is forecast to complete in Spring 2024.