Underpass put in ground during work to dual A30 bottleneck in Cornwall
National Highways says it will provide a safe crossing for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
Last updated 1st Dec 2021
Building blocks are now being put in place in the major upgrade of the last big bottleneck on Cornwall's A30.
A pre-cast underpass is now in the ground as part of work to dual the stretch from Chiverton to Carland Cross, to provide a safe crossing for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The underpass is set to be completed next year and work is scheduled to start early in 2022 to construct and create a number of multi-species crossings and structures along the route to allow for the safe passage of animals.
The new £330 million route, which will improve journey reliability and safety, has been designed to protect the environment and as part of that work, a total of 33 multi-species crossing points are being constructed to assist the habitats and journeys of animals such as otters, badgers, bats and reptiles.
Following extensive ecological surveys, new badger setts and tunnels have been created and work is now starting on the animal crossing points, including 11 underbridges, two overbridges, five drainage culverts and two dry tunnels, for otters and other species.
There will also be a ‘green bridge’ at Marazanvose, the first phase of which starts next month.
In the new year, work will also start on installing a new bridge near Zelah before demolition of the old Tolgroggan bridge.
Dominika Mackiewicz, National Highways’ Project Manager for the scheme, said: "Improving the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross is a significant step forwards towards improving Cornwall’s economy, and we’re really excited with the progress being made.
"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, local communities are impacted, and as a result the Cornish economy is being held back.
"Despite the pandemic, the new route is taking shape thanks to the work of the integrated team, including our main contractors Costain and the wider supply chain.
"Work is now becoming increasingly visible as we head towards the new year, and although this will have an impact on communities and road users, we are committed to minimising any disruption, and will continue to engage with and inform local residents and businesses".
Tim Bowen, Managing Director of Environmental Services at Keltbray, added: "It’s fantastic to see the excellent progress that’s been made on site to date, in addition to the exceptional safety performance.
"Keltbray is committed to caring for the environment and the communities in which we operate, and the underpass and multi-species crossings and structures along the route are an integral part of the scheme, and will provide significant social and environmental benefits for the local area".
What changes can we expect to see?
The 8.7-mile road scheme is scheduled to be open to traffic at the end of 2023, and 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 project is providing opportunities for local communities, with students and archaeology groups having assisted the Cornwall Archaeology Unit in the pre-construction survey and excavation work.
Contractors Costain are providing apprenticeship opportunities and work for people through the Government’s local Kickstart scheme.
As construction progresses, the existing A30 will remain open while the scheme is being built alongside, with traffic management and speed restrictions introduced at key stages of construction to ensure the safety of both the travelling public and the workforce.
A weekly overnight closure of the A30 will be required in the new year, potentially February or March, along with a full weekend closure, and all details and diversion routes will be communicated well in advance.
Local communities and road users will be kept informed as the scheme progresses and in the meantime, further information and updates will be available on Highways' website.
Local residents and businesses can also sign up for email notifications and there is also a dedicated community relations team available to answer any questions by email.
You can also phone the project helpline on 0845 600 2664 or Highways England on 0300 123 5000 and one of the team will call you back as soon as possible.