A NEW underpass is now in the ground as part of an upgrade to the A30 in Cornwall.

The Costain/Jacobs partnership has been working on National Highways’ A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross project over the past few months.

A pre-cast underpass is now in the ground at the Chiverton end of the nearly nine-mile road upgrade.

The underpass – to be completed late next year by leading construction and engineering specialists Keltbray – will provide a safe crossing for walkers, cyclists and horse riders under the new dual carriageway.

Work is scheduled to start early in the new year to construct and create a number of multi-species crossings and structures along the route to allow for the safe passage of animals.

The new £330 million route, which will improve journey reliability and safety, has been designed to protect the environment says National Highways. 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.

New badger setts and tunnels have been created, and work is now starting on the animal crossing points, including 11 underbridges, two overbridges, five drainage culverts and two dry tunnels – for otters and other species – as well as a ‘green bridge’ at Marazanvose, the first phase of which starts next month.

In the new year, work will also start on installing a new bridge near Zelah before demolition of the old Tolgroggan bridge.

Dominika Mackiewicz, National Highways’ Project Manager for the scheme, said: “Improving the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross is a significant step forwards towards improving Cornwall’s economy, and we’re really excited with the progress being made.

“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.

“Work is now becoming increasingly visible as we head towards the new year, and although this will have an impact on communities and road users, we are committed to minimising any disruption, and will continue to engage with and inform local residents and businesses.”

The 8.7-mile road scheme is scheduled to be open to traffic at the end of 2023,

As construction progresses, the existing A30 will remain open while the scheme is being built alongside, with traffic management and speed restrictions introduced at key stages of construction to ensure the safety of both the travelling public and the workforce.

A weekly overnight closure of the A30 will be required in the new year, potentially February or March, along with a full weekend closure, and all details and diversion routes will be communicated well in advance.

Further information and updates will be available at the web page https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/south-west/a30-chiverton-to-carland-cross/