Following a planning hearing last year, , the Secretary of State for
Transport, has granted a Development Consent Order for work to
start on the major A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross Dualling
Scheme.
Highways England’s £290 million improvement scheme, part of the
Government’s £15 billion Road Investment Strategy, will help to
promote economic growth, improve journey times and increase
safety by unlocking one of the last major bottlenecks in the
county.
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said:
This Government is committed to delivering an infrastructure
revolution and levelling up access across the country.
This vital upgrade of the A30 will improve safety, cut
congestion, boost access for drivers on their daily commute and
create better journeys for the surrounding communities.
The 8.7-mile road scheme 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
Highways England Senior Project Manager Josh Hodder said:
We’re delighted to receive the Secretary of State’s decision,
which represents a major step in developing a scheme to help
unlock congestion, promote economic growth and bring out better
connectivity for local communities along the A30.
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 on this
part of the road are regularly delayed, congestion often brings
traffic to a standstill, and as a result the Cornish economy is
being held back.
Following the granting of planning consent, main construction
works are scheduled to start later this year, with the route
expected to be open to traffic in 2023.
During construction, the work will take place away from the
existing A30 route to ensure continuity for traffic.
Mr Hodder added:
The existing A30 will remain open while the scheme is built
alongside. We are currently finalising our construction
partner, all phases of the work and associated traffic
management will be explained to the local community before we
start, and ongoing communication will keep people updated
throughout.
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.
Cllr Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for
Transport, said:
This is very welcome news for Cornwall. The scheme will help to
improve journey times for local people, businesses and
visitors, there is strong support locally to improve this
stretch of the A30, and the project will build upon the
excellent working relationship that we have with Highways
England.
Now a decision has been issued by the Secretary of State, there
is a six-week period in which the decision may be challenged in
the High Court.
In the meantime, further information and updates will
be available on the web
page.