A major road upgrade that promises to transform journeys on the A30 in Cornwall is due to get under way in the coming weeks.

The stretch of road between Chiverton and Carland Cross is the last remaining stretch of single-carriageway A30 between Camborne and the M5 - and is a notorious hotspot for delays, with motorists facing hours of sitting in traffic during the peak summer months.

Now, however, work is to begin on dualing the nine-mile stretch in a £290 million project - and Highways England will be updating communities on the latest progress and plans.

A virtual exhibition will be held next week where residents along the route can find out more and put questions to both the project team and contractors Costain, ahead of construction beginning in September.

Josh Hodder, Highways England’s senior project manager for the A30 upgrade, 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 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.

“From a project perspective, it’s exciting that we are now close to the main works starting at the end of September.

"Preliminary work has started, we’re currently carrying out ground investigation work and archaeological surveys, and we’d like to update communities on the latest plans and traffic management details."

The upgrade includes:

• A 70mph 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 neighbouring communities.

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.

Mr Hodder added: “The existing A30 will remain open while the scheme is being built alongside, but I’m sure local residents will have questions around the latest plans and traffic management.

"We're unable to hold a public-facing event due to the Coronavirus restrictions, and we encourage everyone to join in the virtual exhibition.”

The virtual exhibition will run from 8am to 8pm on Friday, August 21, where people will be able to post questions on a live chat.

To access the virtual forum, a link will be available, from Monday, August 17, at the web page at highwaysengland.co.uk/projects/a30-carland-cross-to-chiverton/

Anyone unable to log in on the day can get hold of an information brochure by emailing A30ChivertontoCarlandCross@highwaysengland.co.uk or contacting Costain on 01934 839039 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

The £290 million upgrade is scheduled to be open to traffic in 2023 and further information events are planned in the future.

In the meantime, newsletters will be issued throughout the scheme and updates will be available at the Highways England web page.