DUALLING eight miles of the A30 was given development consent from the Secretary of State for the Department of Transport on Friday.

The £290m project would mean dual carriageway between Chiverton Cross roundabout and Carland Cross, both important links from Truro to the A30. 

Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth, has welcomed the decision by Secretary of State Grant Shapps to grant consent.

Cherilyn said: “The announcement is fantastic news. I have been clear that getting Cornwall better connected is one of my top priorities and I had already met with Cornwall Council and lobbied the Secretary of State about the importance of getting on with this important project.

“I am absolutely delighted that he has listened. Today’s announcement unlocks the road to millions more in funding for Cornwall and again shows this government’s commitment to levelling up all regions of the country.”

“I look forward to this proceeding to the next stage and will continue to work with the excellent Transport team at Cornwall Council, Highways England and colleagues in Westminster to ensure Truro and Falmouth’s transport infrastructure continues to improve.”

The eight mile stretch of new road will mean there will be a dual carriageway for over 100 miles between the M5 junction at Exeter and Camborne in Cornwall.

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.

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.