chiverton road upgrade
Chiverton Cross roundabout on the A30 road in Cornwall. Credit: Andy F.

The UK Secretary of State for Transport has given a development consent order for the commencement of work on the major A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross Dualling Scheme in Cornwall, England.

This £290m 7.7-mile road improvement scheme by Highways England is a part of the UK Government’s £15bn Road Investment Strategy. The scheme is expected to aid in promoting economic growth and reducing journey times in Cornwall.

UK 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 scheme consists of a 70mph high-quality dual carriageway, a two-level junction at Chiverton Cross and a new roundabout to allow traffic to flow freely on the A30.

A partial junction at Chybucca will be constructed on two levels with west-facing slip roads to offer access onto the dual carriageway from local routes.

In addition, the scheme will feature new bridges at Tolgroggan Farm, Pennycomequick Lane and over the Allet to Tresawsen Road, as well as a two-level junction at Carland Cross with a new roundabout north of the dual carriageway.

Highways England senior project manager Josh Hodder said: “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.”

After the approval of planning consent, main construction works are set to commence later this year, with the route expected to open to traffic in 2023.