Plan could see notorious Cornwall roundabout removed and replaced with overbridge
It would mean a big change to Chiverton Cross on the A30
It has been revealed that one of Cornwall's most notorious roundabouts could be replaced with an overbridge.
A planning application has been submitted by AECOM, on behalf of Cornwall Council, that proposes a big shake-up to the A30 at Chiverton Cross.
The bridge would be used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders and would also link with the Saints Trail route between St Agnes and Truro.
The aim is to allow users to safely cross the A30 carriageway in a northwest southeast direction.
The proposed overbridge would span across the new stretch of A30 dual carriageway in the current location of the Chiverton Cross roundabout. The total length of the overbridge and approach ramps is proposed to be 318m with the extent of the bridge structure proposed at approximately 48m.
The pedestrian/cycle path is proposed to be 3.7m wide, with three 2m wide (either side) rest areas located along the approach ramps to the overbridge. One rest area is located on the west side towards St Agnes, and two are located on the east side towards the A30 to Truro. The second rest area on the western side connects into existing and proposed footpaths
But construction would mean having ripping out and remove Chiverton Cross roundabout itself.
The planning supporting statement states: "The A30 Chiverton Cross junction currently acts as a major barrier to walking and cycling between communities on the north coast of Cornwall and the county city of Truro. Currently, a network of shared foot/cycleways enables some cyclists, depending on their direction of travel, to avoid using the circulatory carriageway. However, in practice, the fragmented foot/cycleway network offers little benefit to pedestrians or cyclists, and particularly horse riders."
"The A30 Chiverton Cross roundabout is proposed to be converted into a dual carriageway trunk road. This will result in decommissioning of the existing roundabout and lowering of the A30 carriageway by approximately 2.5m below existing level to achieve the required level at the new Chiverton Cross junction proposed to the northeast of the existing roundabout. The removal of the Chiverton Cross roundabout will do little to address this issue, with the highway remaining a significant barrier to cyclist, pedestrian and horse-rider movements."
It adds: "The Proposed Development will increase accessibility to a high-quality network of walking and cycle infrastructure. It is anticipated it will also encourage healthier lifestyle choices and contribute to the Councils Climate Change emergency agenda, as well as delivering on various key strategies from the Cornwall Local Plan (CLP) 2016."
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council said: "Following a successful bid to the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Cornwall Council has submitted a planning application for a bridge at Chiverton Cross for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The bridge will link with the Saints Trail route between St Agnes and Truro.
"The design, colours and choice of materials have been carefully considered to reflect Cornwall’s mining heritage and the surrounding landscape. The bridge, if approved, will also encourage and increase opportunities for walking and cycling, and contribute to the Council’s climate emergency response.
"Subject to planning permission, completion of the bridge is due to coincide with the opening of the new A30 dual carriageway between Chiverton Cross and Carland Cross in 2023."
You can find more information about the planning application here.