An upgrade of the A30 in Cornwall is looking to benefit both road users... and otters, once it is completed.

The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross improvement scheme will look to unlock one of the last major bottlenecks in the county by creating an 8.7-mile section of dual carriageway to help improve journey times and increase safety.

The new route has also been designed to protect the environment and as part of that work, a total of 33 multi-species crossing points are being constructed to assist the habitats and journeys of animals such as otters, badgers, bats and reptiles.

Extensive ecological surveys identified otter, badger and bat habitats to the north and south of the new route and, as well as the construction of a ‘green’ bridge at Marazanvose, the crossing points include 11 underbridges, two overbridges, five drainage culverts and two dry tunnels – all allowing for the safe passage of animals.

There will be nine crossing tunnels specifically for otters, and a new and specially designed sett for badgers.

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Otter ledges are being created in two of the culverts, 21 of the crossings are designed to protect connectivity for bats, while 12 miles of wildlife-proof fencing is being constructed to guide animals toward these crossing points.

Josh Hodder, Highways England Senior Project Manager, said: "We’re really proud of the work we are undertaking to protect and enhance the ecology and environment in the area, and we’re currently forecasting a net gain of over 10% in biodiversity as part of the work we’re doing on the scheme.

"We’ve worked with and listened to local communities throughout the consultation and planning process, and informed by a wealth of feedback, the design of the road has been carried out in the most sympathetic way for both local people, the travelling public, wildlife and the environment.

"Highways England has also funded a number of environmental projects around the location of the scheme and this is something we’re also proud to be involved with and which will have long-lasting benefits for Cornwall."

With construction scaling up this year, work will start this summer to build the animal crossing points and existing environments are being replaced to limit the impact on any wildlife.