The dual carriageway section on the A30 between Chiverton Cross and Carland Cross has been confirmed, and construction will begin in 2020.

Highways England has announced the preferred route for the £290 million scheme, which is part of the Government's £15 billion Road Investment Strategy, announced in 2014.

The improvement to the eight-mile stretch will help to improve journey times for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Andrew Page-Dove, South West regional director for Highways England, said: “We recognise the strategic importance of improving this section of the A30 in helping to unlock economic growth in Cornwall and the whole of the region.

“Over the last few months we have worked hard to identify the best possible design for the scheme and we are excited to share our plans with local stakeholders, businesses and the community.

“As well as boosting the area’s economy, improving this stretch of the A30 is vital to improving motorists’ journeys, cutting congestion and connecting local communities.”

The upgrade of the Temple to Higher Carblake section of the A30 is due to be completed this summer, and the new improvements will be done in partnership with Cornwall Council, forming part of the Government’s investment into roads.

Once both schemes have been completed drivers will be able to travel along dual carriageway for over 100 miles between the M5 and Camborne.

Cllr Geoff Brown, portfolio holder for transport at Cornwall Council, said: “This is great news for Cornwall and builds upon the significant investment in our trunk roads over recent years, including the dualling of the A30 at Temple, which will be complete in a few weeks' time, and the stabilisation works on the A38 Glyn Valley.

“This much-anticipated scheme will put an end to the congestion experienced by motorists at Chiverton Cross roundabout, which is probably the busiest junction in the Duchy.

“Building a new carriageway between Chiverton Cross and Carland Cross not only reduces the impact on motorists during the construction period, it also means we will be able to retain the current road to maintain links for the local communities.

“This project will build upon the excellent working relationship that we have with Highways England and we hope to continue the great work which has gone into getting to today’s significant milestone and I look forward to work starting on site.”

A single route with two alignment options at Chybucca was shortlisted for the scheme and presented at a series of public consultation events in October 2016, where members of the public, businesses and stakeholders were invited to give feedback.

The proposal included the creation of a new dual carriageway running to the north of the existing A30 between Chiverton and Chybucca and to the south between Chybucca and Carland Cross. The existing A30 would be retained as a local route.

Response to the consultation showed overwhelming support for the scheme, with 95 per cent of people agreeing with the need for the scheme, 92 per cent supporting the proposal for a dual carriageway with new two level junctions and 86 per cent supporting the retention of the existing A30 as a local route.