A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross
Upgrading the A30 single carriageway between Chiverton Cross and Carland Cross roundabouts. As part of our Strategic Road Network, the A30 is a road of strategic importance, which is why an £8m contribution from the European Regional Development Fund has been committed, as well as being identified as part of the Government’s Roads Investment Strategy.
Funding for this scheme includes a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund of £8 million towards its development costs, with a further £12 million allocated for the construction phase.
![Open for Traffic!](/media/lqqlm1gc/dsc00629.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=800&height=533&rnd=133637156395000000)
Open for Traffic!
![Chiverton](/media/facfjelk/chiverton-oft.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=800&height=533&rnd=133636957826230000)
Chiverton
![Chybucca](/media/edbhelm5/chybucca-oft.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=800&height=533&rnd=133636957830300000)
Chybucca
![Marazanvose](/media/0gahbypp/marazanvose-oft.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=800&height=533&rnd=133636956803330000)
Marazanvose
![Pennycomequick](/media/htupzeje/pennycomequick-oft.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=800&height=533&rnd=133636957808570000)
Pennycomequick
![Tolgroggan Bridge](/media/pghpzo2s/tolgroggan-bridge-oft.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=800&height=533&rnd=133636957812970000)
Tolgroggan Bridge
![Zelah](/media/pyrhxpra/zelah-oft.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=800&height=533&rnd=133636957817030000)
Zelah
![Carland Cross](/media/eeikepcz/carland-cross-oft.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=800&height=533&rnd=133636957820930000)
Carland Cross
Latest updates
-
29 July 2024
Looking back, looking forwards: celebrating scheme completion
This week, we’re celebrating the recent completion of the scheme which opened to traffic in June.
We’ll be looking back at the work we’ve carried out over the last four years, celebrating the achievements of the project and those who have worked on it, along with highlighting the work we’ve done in your local community.
The newly-opened A30 We’ll be welcoming representatives from Cornwall Council to the site this week and our engagement van will be out and about in the local community where you’ll have an opportunity to meet the team behind the project. You’ll find us at:
- Chiverton Services near Starbucks, Three Burrows, Truro TR4 8HS, on Wednesday 31 July from 12pm–4pm
- Cornwall Services, A30, Victoria, Saint Austell PL26 8UF, on Thursday 1 August from 12pm to 4pm
Scheme overview
The completion of the scheme means we’ve removed the only remaining stretch of single carriageway on the A30 between Camborne and the M5 at Exeter, providing significantly reduced travel time and cutting congestion in time for the summer holidays.
The upgrade can trace its history as far back as 1989. With ever-increasing traffic flows and no real alternative routes, journeys on this part of the road were regularly delayed, and congestion often brought traffic to a standstill, even outside of the tourism season.
Traffic travelling on the old A30 - and tailing back during the holiday season Plans to increase capacity on the route were developed and between 2015 and 2018, consultations took place in the area with a significant majority of respondents supporting improvements. Work was due to begin in 2020 however due to the Covid-19 pandemic, main construction did not begin until 2021.
The scheme
Throughout the duration of the project, we’ve built built 8.7 miles of new high-quality dual carriageway, replacing the existing single carriageway which will be detrunked as the B3285/B3288 and handed over to Cornwall Council as a slower road for local traffic. The map below shows the new and old route of the A30 (click to expand).
The western end of the project begins at Chiverton Cross roundabout where we’ve removed the ‘Chivvy’ roundabout, Cornwall’s worst accident hot-spot. This has been replaced with a new flyover and roundabout, separating long-distance and local traffic. We’ve also installed a new footbridge to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The bridge also forms part of the Saints Trails route linking St Agnes and Threemilestone and you can find out more about this route further down the page.
As we travel east, we approach the new Chybucca junction, allowing for north-south access across the A30. Continuing along the route, there are a number of new underpasses and overbridges including the Marazanvose green bridge. Formed with two decks and planted extensively with plants and hedging, the bridge will maintain and enhance connectivity for habitats separated by the new road, providing a flourishing green border and providing a safe passage across the road for badgers, voles and other small animals, insects and birds.
Marazanvose Green Bridge As we travel further on we reach Tolgroggan Bridge which has been completely replaced with a new structure to accommodate the width of the new dual carriageway and the existing road. Reaching the eastern end of the scheme, we’ve upgraded the junction at Carland Cross, constructing a new interchange and flyover.
Carland Cross Interchange Since the start of construction, the programme of work had to adapt to the effects of both the pandemic and growing weather challenges. Between January 2021 and August 2023 there were 14 Met Office classified storms and since August 2023 there were an unprecedented total of 10 storms affecting Cornwall. The road was officially opened on 24 June 2024 with the first cars making their way along the new dual carriageway shortly before 6am that morning
Investing locally
The opening of the new A30 will not only relieve congestion and improve journey reliability times, but also unlock economic growth in the region by supporting business, employment and residential development opportunities.
We’ve been committed to investing locally on this project and through the introduction of a dedicated Education, Employment and Skills Coordinator, we worked with schools, colleges, universities and Jobcentre Plus and directly or indirectly supported hundreds of local jobs.
Stent, a China Clay residue, used extensively on the A30 We’ve also supported local manufacturing in a number of ways:
- China clay residue, a by-product of the industry known as stent, would normally have no use and be left in white spoil heaps, scarring the local landscape. Instead, the material from the Littlejohns Pit, near St Austell, is being processed into sustainable secondary sand and aggregate, not only reducing embodied carbon, but also saving on the transport carbon cost.
- Aggregate Industries also invested over £4 million in the nearby Melbur Quarry at St Stephen to produce more carbon friendly warm mix asphalt for the new road surfacing. Fully approved by National Highways, warm mix asphalt is a greener process that has less impact on the environment, with reduced hydrocarbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Due to its lower temperature, it is also safer for construction workers to use.
- Local company Cornish Concrete Products provided a precast section of the new Marazanvose bridge
Aside from the aggregate and asphalt production, we’ve tapped into local skills and supplies by:
- employing site managers and engineers from the local area
- using Devoran Metals for reinforcement on the project
- the daily use of a local scaffold supplier
- using smaller suppliers of timber products
- engaging with local colleges and the Camborne School of Mines.
In the community
We believe that connecting people builds communities. Throughout the duration of the project, we’ve worked closely with local residents and businesses to help make a difference to the local community.
We’ve also raised over £30,000 for charitable organisations by carrying out a number of events and taking part in a skydive!
We also donated £1,400 to Nansledan schools’s environmental project. The funding has allowed the school to acquire a range of resources from Waterhaul, a Cornwall-based company that utilizes recycled litter from our oceans. Find out more here below!
Protecting our environment
One of our main objectives was to protect the environment, minimising impacts and, where possible, delivering enhancements to boost biodiversity in the area.
The Green Ribs project We’ve helped deliver a sustainable project by:
- planting species-rich grassland at specific locations
- using low-carbon construction methods
- carefully landscaping new ponds to provide habitats for wildlife
- using solar-powered tower lights to reduce noise and air pollution
As part of our Designated Funding programme, we’ve provided Cornwall Wildlife Trust with over £1m to help restore and recreate over 15 hectares of woodland, orchard, grassland and heathland around Ladock to Gwills and Benhaven to Lambourne Mill, north of Truro. It’s part of the Green Ribs projects, which will create vitally important habitats down the spine of Cornwall. As part of the environmental initiative, a total of 15,000 trees have been planted within the mid-Cornwall landscape, including species such as Scots Pine, Oak, Lime, Chestnut, Sycamore and Blackthorn near Idless Woods in the Upper Truro Catchment.
The scheme has a 20% biodiversity net gain, helping to ensure the scheme will provide lasting and vital habitats for wildlife for years to come, through initiatives such as those shown below.
All landscaping uses native vegetation found in the local area to encourage wildlife and provide a green corridor linking the scheme to adjacent protected habitats.
Along with long-lasting benefits for biodiversity, the scheme also sought to improve access for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders.
One of 10 underpasses and overbridges along the route, the Chiverton footbridge which opened earlier this year was designed with sustainability at its heart while also providing a safe route across the A30.
The bridge forms part of the Saints Trail, an 8km route from St. Agnes to Truro, with another 4.5km trail between Perranporth and Goonhavern. The multi-use trail, funded by our Designed Funding programme, opened in 2023 and is designed for both leisure and commuting. It follows the former Perranporth to Chacewater railway line which closed in 1963. Find out more below:
The future
With the summer holiday season upon us, opening the road ahead of the school summer holidays will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of visitors, local communities, and businesses. And although work is still being carried out over the coming months to complete structural, landscaping and other ancillary work, local motorists and residents are already benefitting from shorter journey times.
We’d like to thank the people of Cornwall for the patience since construction of the project started back in 2020. Now our work is complete, this vital upgrade will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of visitors, local communities, and businesses, not just this year but well into the future.
To round up our celebration, here are our top five facts about the scheme:
- The new Tolgroggan Bridge weighs 275 tonnes – the equivalent of 900,000 Cornish pasties!
- We’ve moved over 2.6million cubic metres of earth in carrying out earthworks
- We’ve installed nearly 29 miles of highway drainage
- We’ve planted 150,000 trees and 4.5 hectares of new woodland
- 650 staff were working on site at its peak, with 4,000 over the life of the project
Click here to view and download a copy of our special celebration brochure.
-
12 July 2024
Local roadworks in advance of the summer holidays
Due to bad weather experienced over the last week, we’ve had to extend our closure of the B3277 link road from Chiverton junction to the Services roundabout. It will now finish on Sunday 14 July at 7:30am, rather than today (Friday 12 July) as previously advertised. The diversion route, shown below, will remain in place until then.
Following this, we’ll be installing temporary traffic lights on the A3075 by Chiverton junction from Monday 15 to Friday 19 July. The traffic lights have been planned to avoid disruption at peak travel periods and will operate as follows:
- 9am-3pm Monday to Friday daytime
- 6pm-6am Monday to Thursday night-time
During the school summer holidays there are no planned closures on the new A30. However there remains a lot of work to do on the project, including signage, structures and work on the old A30 as we prepare to hand it over to Cornwall Council later this year.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience while we complete this critical work so we can get out of the way before the main school summer holidays. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these roadworks.
How can we find out more?
For more information, you can:
- email us at: a30chivertontocarlandcross@nationalhighways.co.uk
- call us on: 0300 123 5000
You can also follow us on X and Facebook for up-to-date scheme information and updates on roadworks across the region.
-
24 June 2024
We’re open for traffic!
This morning the first cars made their way along the newly-opened A30 dual carriageway between Chiverton & Carland Cross.
We’d like to thank the people of Cornwall for their patience over the last few years while our teams have carried out this work.
While everyone gets used to this major route, we’d like to remind motorists to drive safely and familiarise themselves with the layout of the new junctions:
Chiverton junction
Chybucca junction
Carland Cross junction
Reminder: local road closures
We still need to carry out work on local roads, footpaths, bridleways, cycle routes and infrastructure in order to close down the site and fully complete the project. We’ll be completing some of this work before the start of the school summer holidays.
From 9am today (Monday 24 June), there’ll be a full 24/7 closure of the B3277 link road from Chiverton Junction to the Services roundabout until Friday 12 July.
Traffic heading from the A30 to St Agnes will be diverted along the A30 to Scorrier junction then through Blackwater, before re-joining the B3277 at the Services roundabout (and vice versa). You can view the closed section of the B3277 and a diversion route map below.
We'll also be installing temporary traffic lights on the A3075 near Chiverton Junction for a few days following the completion of the B3277 closure. Further details of this will be provided in our next notification.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.
Our work will still continue in the area over the coming months. We may also require some overnight closures later this year on the A30 as part of the completion work. We’ll continue to keep you informed via notifications, social media updates, and on this webpage.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here.
How can we find out more?
For more information, you can:
- email us at: a30chivertontocarlandcross@nationalhighways.co.uk
- call us on: 0300 123 5000
You can also follow us on X and Facebook for up-to-date scheme information and updates on roadworks across the region.
-
18 June 2024
Final closures of the A30 this month to prepare for opening
This week, there’ll be overnight closures of the A30 between Chiverton and Summercourt until Thursday 20 June, from 8pm to 6am each night.
There’ll then be a weekend closure between Chiverton and Summercourt from 8pm Friday 21 June until Monday 24 June at 6am. You can view the diversion routes for all of these closures below.
For all of these closures, local access north and south at Chiverton and via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout, as will the link from the A39 to the north via the B3285.
During these closures, we are gradually opening all junctions and all lanes of the new A30 dual carriageway, and the new road will be fully open on the morning of Monday 24 June.
We’d like to thank the people of Cornwall for their patience during the construction phase over the last few years.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here.
Local road closures required during June and July
Following the opening of the new A30 there remains a lot of work to do on local roads and infrastructure in order to close down the site and fully complete the project.
In order to complete critical work and get out of the way before the school summer holidays, we need to implement some local road closures in the next few weeks.
Starting at 9am on Monday 24 June, there’ll be a full 24/7 closure of the B3277 link road from Chiverton Junction to the Services roundabout until Friday 12 July. You can view the section of the B3277 to be closed below.
Traffic heading from the A30 to St Agnes will be diverted along the A30 to Scorrier junction then through Blackwater, before re-joining the B3277 at the Services roundabout (and vice versa).
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.
-
04 June 2024
An update on our upcoming closures
Following a review of our upcoming closure of the A30 this weekend, we’ve changed our programme of work to make journeys easier for those intending to travel to the Royal Cornwall Show.
Our proposed weekend closure of the A30 between Chiverton and Summercourt from 7-10 June has been cancelled which means the A30 will remain open throughout the Royal Cornwall Show weekend.
There are still overnight closures of the A30 between Chiverton and Mitchell until Thursday 6 June between 8pm and 6am each night. The diversion route is shown below.
Local access north and south at Chiverton and via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. The link from the A39 to the north will also be maintained via the B3285.
Further A30 closures
The A30 between Chiverton and Summercourt will be closed overnight from Monday 10 June to Thursday 13 June between 8pm and 6am each night.
There’ll then be a weekend closure between Chiverton and Summercourt from 8pm on Friday 14 June to 6am on Monday 17 June. The diversion route is shown below.
ROUTES.
During our closures, we urge road users to:
- plan ahead
- avoid unnecessary travel
- follow the diversion routes and signage in place and not sat navs
- allow more time for your journey when travelling in the area
Forward look
Further closures are planned from:
- 17 to 20 June - overnight closures between Chiverton and Summercourt
- 21 to 24 June - full weekend closure between Chiverton and Summercourt
Please note these dates and locations are subject to change.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here.
How can we find out more?
For more information, you can:
- email us at: a30chivertontocarlandcross@nationalhighways.co.uk
- call us on: 0300 123 5000
You can also follow us on X and Facebook for up-to-date scheme information and updates on roadworks across the region.
-
30 May 2024
Closures in June
There will be overnight closures of the A30 between Chiverton and Mitchell from Monday 3 June to Thursday 6 June, 8pm until 6am each night.
There will then be a full weekend closure of the A30 between Chiverton and Summercourt from Friday 7 June at 9pm until Monday 10 June at 6am.For these closures, local access north and south at Chiverton and via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. The link from the A39 to the north will also be maintained via the B3285. All closures are now focused on surfacing and infrastructure work along the route as we prepare to open the new dual carriageway.
Advance notice of further A30 closures:
Monday 10 to Thursday 13 June - overnight closures between Chiverton and Summercourt
Friday 14 to Monday 17 June - weekend closure between Chiverton and Summercourt -
13 May 2024
Update on our closures
There are no closures of the A30 over this bank holiday weekend and throughout the half term week. Our next planned closure of the A30 will be on 3 to 6 June with overnight closures between Chiverton and Mitchell.
Please note these dates and locations are subject to change.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here.
Overnight closures of the A390
The A390 will be closed overnight for vital roadworks between Langarth Park & Ride and the Chiverton Interchange on weeknights from 7pm until 6am, starting on Monday 20 May until Friday 31 May.
As part of the Northern Access Road project, Cornwall Council’s contractor Cormac will be carrying out surfacing work on the A390 between West Langarth and Threemilestone in preparation for a traffic switch in June.
Meanwhile, the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade project will be carrying out surfacing and statutory utility work on the A390 between the Chiverton Interchange and Penstraze in preparation for the opening of the new A30 in June.
Both of these operations require sections of the A390 to be closed and therefore are scheduled to be delivered simultaneously in an effort to minimise disruption.
You can find out more and view the main diversion route to the A30 below.
Changes to bus timetables
Cornwall Council have asked us to inform you that the Go Cornwall Bus service 85 will have a revised timetable from Monday 13 May. Full details can be viewed here.
First service 950 will be serving Allet and Shortlanesend for the remainder of the current term. Passengers are advised to catch the service 85 into Truro and then connecting services for Truro College.
How can we find out more?
For more information, you can:
- email us at: a30chivertontocarlandcross@nationalhighways.co.uk
- call us on: 0300 123 5000
You can also follow us on X and Facebook for up-to-date scheme information and updates on roadworks across the region.
-
02 May 2024
Update: Closures this May
We’re now into the final stages of our upgrade to the A30 and as we continue our work on this vital route, we’ll be carrying out a series of overnight closures of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater to allow our teams to safely continue surfacing and infrastructure work.
Closures will be in place:
- between 8pm and 6am from Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 May
- from 8pm on Friday 10 May until 6am on Monday 13 May
Changes to our diversion route
Westbound high sided vehicle traffic during these closures will need to divert via Chacewater in order to avoid the low bridge at Scorrier (4.7m / 15' 3"). This temporary change to our normal diversion route has been agreed with Cornwall Council due to continuing work to repair a collapsed mineshaft on the A393 Sandy Lane. All eastbound traffic and all westbound traffic under the height restriction can use the diversion route via Blackwater. Local access north and south via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout.
During our closures, we urge customers to:
- plan ahead
- avoid unnecessary travel
- follow the diversion routes and signage in place and not sat navs
- allow more time for your journey when travelling in the area
Forward look
We’re planning further closures of the A30 on:
- 17 to 20 May - weekend closure between Chiverton and Boxheater
- 3 to 6 June - overnight closures between Chiverton and Mitchell
Please note these dates and locations are subject to change.
How can we find out more?
For more information, you can:
- email us at: a30chivertontocarlandcross@nationalhighways.co.uk
- call us on: 0300 123 5000
You can also follow us on X and Facebook for up-to-date scheme information and updates on roadworks across the region.
-
17 April 2024
Overnight and weekend closures of the A30 next week
There'll be overnight closures of the A30 as follows from Monday 22 April to Thursday 25 April, from 8pm to 6am each night:
- between Scorrier and Boxheater EASTBOUND
- between Boxheater and Chiverton WESTBOUND
There will then be full weekend closures of the A30 as follows from Friday 26 April at 8pm until Monday 29 April at 6am:
- between Scorrier and Boxheater EASTBOUND
- between Boxheater and Chiverton WESTBOUND
Traffic for all these closures (including HGVs and high sided vehicles) will be diverted as follows:
- via the B3277, A3075 and B3285 for eastbound traffic
- via the B3285 and A3075 for westbound traffic
Westbound traffic will rejoin the A30 at Chiverton in order to avoid the low bridge at Scorrier. The diversion route is shown below.
For these closures, local access north and south via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. The closures will be focused on surfacing, installation of bases for new signage, and infrastructure work along the route.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures. -
12 April 2024
Reminder - weekend closure of the A30
The A30 will be closed this weekend between Boxheater and Chiverton to allow our teams to safely complete surfacing, installation of bases for new signage, and infrastructure work along the route. Closures will begin from 8pm tonight (Friday 12 April) with the road reopening at 6am on Monday 15 April.
All traffic during the closure (including HGVs and high sided vehicles) will be diverted via the B3285 and A3075. You can view the diversion routes below.
Local access north and south via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during this weekend closure.
We’ll make every effort to ensure the impact on the local community and travelling public is kept to a minimum. We always aim to work to the programme, however unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes.
New road layout
From Monday 15 April, we'll be running traffic on part of the new dual carriageway all the way from Tolgroggan bridge to the Chiverton interchange. Several sections of the old A30 will also be temporarily closed to through traffic. This is a key part of our preparations to fully open the new A30 dual carriageway between Chiverton and Carland Cross in June.
A key change is that part of the permanent designed layout at Chybucca Junction will in place from Monday. The new layout will allow drivers to join the A30 onto the westbound carriageway only and leave from the A30 eastbound only, as shown on the diagram below.
Traffic will leave the A30 at Carland Cross or at Chiverton and use the local network to access certain intermediate destinations. The old A30 north of Chuybucca will be temporarily closed from Monday as we prepare it for handover to Cornwall Council as the B3288. When the new A30 and the old A30 are both open you will have the option of using the old A30 to access the B3284 in all directions at Chybucca.For more information, you can:
- email us at: a30chivertontocarlandcross@nationalhighways.co.uk
- call us on: 0300 123 5000
You can also follow us on X and Facebook for up-to-date scheme information and updates on roadworks across the region.
-
08 April 2024
Update: closures this April
Overnight and weekend closures of the A30
This week there'll be overnight closures of the A30 between Boxheater and Chiverton from Monday 8 April to Thursday 11 April, from 8pm to 6am each night.
There will then be a weekend closure of the A30 between Boxheater and Chiverton from Friday 12 April at 8pm until Monday 15 April at 6am. Traffic for all closures (including HGVs and high sided vehicles) will be diverted via the B3285 and A3075. The diversion route is shown below.
For these closures, local access north and south via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. The closures will be focused on surfacing, installation of bases for new signage, and infrastructure work along the route.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.We’ll make every effort to ensure the impact on the local community and travelling public is kept to a minimum. We always aim to work to the programme, however unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes.
-
15 March 2024
Update: closures this March
Upcoming overnight and weekend closures of the A30
Overnight closures of the A30 between Boxheater and Chiverton will be in place from Monday 18 March to Thurday 21 March, from 8pm to 6am each night.
We’ll then be carrying out a weekend closure of the A30 between Boxheater and Chiverton from Friday 22 March at 8pm until Monday 25 March at 6am. Traffic for all closures (including HGVs and high sides vehicles) will be diverted via the B3285 and A3075, as shown in the diagram below
Access for local residents north and south via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. The closures will be focused on surfacing and infrastructure work along the route.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.
New layout at Carland Cross from late March
As the eastern section progresses, we’ll soon be moving traffic to a new layout at Carland Cross. A temporary alignment of the A30 will be in place as we continue work on the new junction. A plan of the new layout is shown below. -
06 March 2024
Overnight closures - March 2024
UPDATE: Temporary diversion route for westbound HGV traffic only - up to 11 March
For the overnight closures of the A30 between Boxheater and Scorrier this week and the upcoming weekend closure from Friday 8 to 11 March, there has been a slight change to the westbound diversion route for HGVs / high-sided vehicles only. All other details remain the same.
Westbound HGV traffic during these closures will need to divert via Chacewater in order to avoid the low bridge at Scorrier (4.7m / 15' 3"). This temporary change to the diversion route has been agreed with Cornwall Council as their highways department is starting work to repair a collapsed mineshaft on the A393 Sandy Lane, which is typically used for these diversions.Temporary diversion route for westbound HGV traffic:
To allow us to carry out work on the Chiverton flyover and other infrastructure along the route, the following closures will be in place:
Overnight closures - Monday 4 March to Friday 8 March - A30 Boxheater to Scorrier, 8pm to 6am
Weekend closure - Friday 8 March to Monday 11 March - A30 Boxheater to Scorrier, 8pm Friday evening to 6am Monday morningDiversion
Traffic for all closures will be diverted via the B3285, A3075 and B3277 with different routes for HGVs, see below.
Local access north and south at the new Chiverton interchange and via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout these closures.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here.
For more detail on project design, planning and the Development Consent Order, please visit the A30 section of the Planning Inspectorate website here.
Advance notice of A30 closures during March and April 2024Overnight - 18 to 22 March
Weekend - 22 to 25 March
Overnight - 8 to 12 April
Weekend - 12 to 15 April
Overnight - 22 to 26 April
Weekend - 26 to 29 April
These dates are subject to change, the location of these closures will be confirmed nearer the time. -
23 February 2024
Progress update: new A30 dual carriageway enters final stages
We’re now in the final stages of our A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade project and will soon be preparing for the opening of the new dual carriageway later this year, before the school summer holidays.
Since the scheme received its Development Consent Order in February 2020, we’ve faced some significant challenges but despite these, we’ve made good progress.
The original Delivery Plan target date to open the new dual carriageway to traffic was the end of March 2024. However, since the start of construction, the programme of work has had to adapt to the effects of both the pandemic and growing weather challenges.
Between January 2021 and August 2023 there were 14 Met Office classified storms and since last August alone there have been an unprecedented total of 10 storms affecting Cornwall. As a result of the impact of the recent bad weather, we’re now expecting the road to be open for traffic in June.
Looking east, the new Chiverton interchange will soon have four lanes of the new dual carriageway carrying traffic.
The recent Chiverton flyover and Chybucca junction openings were significant milestones for the project and we’ll now be progressing with work on the new Carland Cross junction and ‘green bridge’ structure at Marazanvose.
Nick Simmonds Screech, National Highways Project Director, said: “Following a recent review of the programme, we are now on schedule to open the new road to traffic in June, a matter of weeks after our Delivery Plan open-for traffic commitment.
“Given the effects of the pandemic and the delayed start to the construction programme, and against all the challenges thrown at us by recent weather events, we still look on this as a significant achievement.
“Once the new dual carriageway’s open, and well before the start of summer school holidays, this will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of both local communities and businesses, and to the wider travelling public.”
The new Chybucca junction, with the print of the new A30 stretching into the horizon.
Some key achievements for the project over the last two years include:
- Removal of the ‘Chivvy’ roundabout, Cornwall’s worst accident hot-spot
- Construction of the new Chiverton interchange and flyover
- Construction of the Chybucca junction, allowing for north-south access across the A30
- Installation of the new Tolgroggan bridge near Zelah, and removal of the old bridge
- Construction of the new ‘green bridge’ at Marazanvose, which will see planting to follow later
- Completion of the archaeological excavation and fieldwork
- Completion of heathland translocation work near Carland Cross
- Construction of a bat house and 33 multi-species animal crossing points
- Construction of 16 attenuation points to improve water quality and improve wildlife habitats
Once the new road is open, finishing works – including local authority road refinements, landscaping, planting, Cornish hedging and other environmental and ecological work – will continue.
Work will be focussed on the Carland Cross junction and the new A30 alignment, pictured here looking eastbound, in the coming weeks
We’d like to thank road users and the local community for their patience while we complete this complex project and we apologise for any disruption caused.
For more information, you can:
- email us at: a30chivertontocarlandcross@nationalhighways.co.uk
- call us on: 0300 123 5000
You can also follow us on X and Facebook for up-to-date scheme information and updates on roadworks across the region.
-
14 February 2024
UPDATE - forthcoming closures in February
Closure of the A390
There will be a closure of the northern section of the A390 between the Chiverton interchange and Penstraze Lane, Friday 16 February at 7pm until Monday 19 February at 6am.
The A30 between Carland Cross and Scorrier will remain open during the weekend and the diversion route for access will be via the A390, A39, A393 and the A3047. You can view the diversion route and full details of the closure here.
Drivers are advised to follow the diversion routes and not to use local roads through villages that are less able to accommodate additional traffic. If travelling to Truro or the Royal Cornwall Hospital from the east, drivers should take the A39 at Carland Cross.Overnight closures of the A3019 to 22 February
There will be overnight closures of the A30, 8pm until 6am the following morning, as follows:Weekend closure of the A3023 to 26 February
There will be a weekend closure of the A30 between Boxheater and Scorrier from Friday 23 February at 8pm until Monday 26 February at 6am. Traffic will be diverted via the B3285, A3075 and B3277 with different routes for HGVs. You can view the diversion routes here.
For all of the above closures, local access north and south at the new Chiverton interchange and via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.
Advance notice of A30 closures during March 2024- Overnight - 4 to 8 March
- Weekend - 8 to 11 March
- Overnight - 18 to 22 March
- Weekend - 22 to 25 March
These closures are usually between Scorrier and Boxheater and subject to change. We will send full details in due course once confirmed. -
02 February 2024
Overnight closures - February 2024
9 to 12 February - A30 weekend closure
There will be a weekend closure of the A30 between Boxheater and Scorrier from Friday 9 February at 8pm until Monday 12 February at 6am. Traffic will be diverted via the B3285, A3075 and B3277 with different routes for HGVs. You can view the diversion routes here.
For this closure, local access north and south at the new Chiverton interchange and via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. The weekend will be focused on drainage, concreting, central reservation work, barrier construction, bridge related construction activities and a traffic switch at Trevalso.16 to 19 February - A390 weekend closure of the A390
There will be a weekend closure of the northern section of the A390 between the Chiverton interchange and Penstraze Lane from Friday 16 February at 7pm until Monday 19 February at 6am.
The A30 between Carland Cross and Scorrier will remain open during the weekend and the diversion route for access will be via the A390, A39, A393 and the A3047. You can view the diversion route and full details of the closure here.
Drivers are advised to follow the diversion routes and not to use local roads through villages that are less able to accommodate additional traffic. If travelling to Truro or the Royal Cornwall Hospital from the east, drivers should take the A39 at Carland Cross.Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here.
For more detail on project design, planning and the Development Consent Order, please visit the A30 section of the Planning Inspectorate website here.Advance notice of A30 closures in February & March 2024
- Overnight - 19 to 23 February
- Weekend - 23 to 26 February
- Overnight - 4 to 8 March
- Weekend - 8 to 11 March
These closures are usually between Scorrier and Boxheater and subject to change. We will send full details in due course once confirmed.
Please note: the overnight closures scheduled for 5 to 9 February are no longer required.
-
19 January 2024
Further road closures begin next week
The A30 will be closed overnight on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 January between Boxheater and Scorrier. Traffic will be diverted via the B3285, A3075 and B3277 with different routes for HGVs. You can view the diversion routes here.
The overnight closures will then expand on Wednesday 24, Thursday 25 and Friday 26 January with the A30 closed between Scorrier and Carland Cross. Traffic will be diverted via the A3076/A3058, the A3075 and the B3277, with different routes for HGVs. You can view the diversion routes here.
The A30 will then be closed between Boxheater and Scorrier for the rest of the weekend from Saturday 27 January at 6am until Monday 29 January at 6am. Traffic will be diverted via the B3285, A3075 and B3277 with different routes for HGVs. You can view the diversion routes here.
Overnight closures start at 8pm and finish at 6am.
For all closures, local access north and south at the new Chiverton interchange and via the B3284 at Chybucca will be maintained throughout. These closures will be focused on drainage, concreting, central reservation work, barrier construction, and bridge related construction activities along the new A30.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.Advance notice of closures during February 2024- Overnight closures between Scorrier and Boxheater - 5 to 9 February - cancelled
- Weekend closure between Scorrier and Boxheater - 9 to 12 February
- Weekend closure of the northern section of the A390 near Chiverton - 16 to 19 February (this is coordinated with Cornwall Council work and full details will be communicated to local residents in due course)
- Overnight closures between Scorrier and Boxheater - 19 to 23 February
- Weekend closure between Scorrier and Boxheater - 23 to 26 February
These closures are subject to change, and we will send full details in due course once confirmed.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here. -
04 January 2024
Overnight closures - January 2024
The A30, Scorrier to Boxheater, will be closed overnight on Monday 8, Tuesday 9 and Wednesday 10 January. The closures will start at 8pm and finish by 6am. These closures will be focused on surfacing, central reservation work and concrete wall preparation work near Marazanvose.
This will be followed by a weekend closure from Friday 12 January at 8pm until Monday 15 January at 6am. This closure is for concrete wall preparation work near Chiverton and there will also be drainage and maintenance work across the new A30 route.
Both sets of closures will be from Scorrier to Boxheater. The diversion route for standard vehicles will follow the B3285, the A3075 and the B3277. There will as usual be longer diversions for HGVs and other high sided vehicles - you can find all the routes here. Local access north and south at the new Chiverton interchange will be maintained throughout.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey during these closures.
Advance notice of further closures in January 2024- Overnight closures of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 22 to 26 January
- Full weekend closure of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 26 to 29 January
These closures are subject to change, and we will send full details in due course once confirmed.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here. -
19 December 2023
Christmas 2023 newsletter
We are now in the final stage of the project – huge progress has been made in 2023 and we are now preparing for the opening of the new A30 in 2024.
Last week we partially opened the Chiverton flyover - a major milestone for the project. This has alleviated congestion as we now have one lane of east-west traffic in either direction bypassing the interchange without queuing. Local journeys north and south are also improved as drivers will no longer have to interact with the A30 mainline traffic.
For the full newsletter please click here: https://mailchi.mp/21c4c06f2806/a30-chiverton-to-carland-cross-newsletter-issue-13561348
-
14 December 2023
UPDATE - overnight closure 14 December 2023
Our final road closure of 2023 is taking place Thursday 14 December from 8pm until Friday 15 December at 6am. The A30 will be closed between Chybucca and Scorrier.
Despite the continuing bad weather, we are planning to open part of the Chiverton flyover to traffic early Friday morning (15 December). We had hoped to do this last weekend but the heavy rain delayed the programme of work. This is a major milestone for the project as it will help to alleviate congestion around the new Chiverton interchange and move the project one step closer to completion.
The partial opening of the flyover will see one lane of east-west traffic in either direction bypassing the interchange without queuing and will also improve local journeys north and south as drivers will no longer have to interact with the A30 mainline traffic. You can view a plan of the new layout here.
For this closure between Chybucca and Scorrier, traffic will have the option of diverting along the B3285, A3075 and B3277 as usual or staying on the A30 and diverting onto the B3284 north at Chybucca. There are longer diversions for HGVs and you can view all routes here.
We would like to thank you for your patience this year during the changes and closures on the A30. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journey during this closure.
Advance notice of closures in January 2024
- Overnight closures of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 8 to 12 January
- Full weekend closure of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 12 to 15 January
- Overnight closures of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 22 to 26 January
- Full weekend closure of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 26 to 29 January
These closures are subject to change, and we will send full details in due course once confirmed.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here. -
07 December 2023
UPDATE - weekend closure 8 to 11 December 2023
It had been hoped to open the Chiverton flyover to traffic on Monday, but the current weather event has prevented the laying of road materials and delayed the programme of work.
As a result of the postponement of the Chiverton flyover partial opening, this weekend will see a lesser closure of the A30, between the temporary Chiverton interchange and Boxheater.
The closure, from 8pm Friday 8 December to 6am on Monday, 11 December, will see traffic diverted from Boxheater on the A30 via the B3285 and the A3075 to rejoin the A30 at the Chiverton interchange, with the eastbound diversion route operating in reverse.
Caption: The diversion routes in operation for the weekend closure
From Monday drivers travelling north to south across the A30 at Chybucca will no longer have to negotiate traffic signals, instead using the new layout below:
-
30 November 2023
Overnight closures - December 2023
There will be overnight closures of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater from Monday 4 December until Friday 8 December. The A30 will be closed from 8pm until 6am each night.
There will then be a weekend closure of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater from Friday 8 December at 8pm until Monday 11 December at 6am.
The overnight closures are for the installation of Cornwall Council's new bridge at Chiverton (part of the Saints Trails), while the weekend will focus on the opening of two lanes of the Chiverton flyover as part of ongoing junction work, and the opening of the new B3284 link from the south across the A30 at Chybucca.
The new layout at Chiverton, which will mean that east west traffic can bypass the roundabout, can be found here.
The new layout at Chybucca which will reconnect the B3284 north and south can be found here.
**Please note that there will be no access from the B3284 north or south over the A30 during the weekend of 8 to 11 December due to construction work required.**
For all of these closures, traffic will be diverted along the B3285, A3075 and the B3277, with longer diversions signed for high sided vehicles via the A39 or A390, due to the low bridge at Scorrier. You can view the diversion routes here. Chiverton Junction will remain operational for access north and south of the A30.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.
Advance notice of closures in January 2024- Overnight closures of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 8 to 12 January
- Full weekend closure of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 12 to 15 January
- Overnight closures of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 22 to 26 January
- Full weekend closure of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 26 to 29 January
These closures are subject to change, and we will send full details in due course once confirmed.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here. -
23 October 2023
Overnight closures 30 October to 3 November and weekend closure 3 to 6 November + storm Ciarán cancellations
Storm Ciarán - overnight closures for 1 and 2 November have been cancelled due to amber weather alert.
The remainder of this week's overnight closures, as listed below, are planned to go ahead please check back here for updates. Should you have any queries regarding the works, please contact our project helpline on 0845 600 2664.
Overnight closures - 30 October to 3 November
There will be overnight closures of the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross from Monday 30 October to Friday 3 November - 8pm in the evening to 6am the following morning. These closures will allow us to carry out preparation work ahead of the forthcoming weekend closure. Traffic will diverted via the A3076/A3058 and the A3075, you can view the diversion route here.
Weekend closure - 3 to 6 November
There will be a weekend closure of the A30 between Chiverton and Boxheater from Friday 3 November at 8pm in the evening until Monday 6 November at 6am. This closure will be used to switch traffic under the new Marazanvose green bridge, so we can continue construction over the existing A30. Traffic will be diverted along the B3285 and the A3075, you can view the diversion route here.
Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys during these closures.
Advance notice of closures in November and in December- Full weekend closure of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 17 to 20 November
- Overnight closures of the A30 between Scorrier and Boxheater - 4 to 8 December
- Full weekend closure of the A30 between Scorrier and Mitchell - 8 to 11 December
These closures are subject to change, we will send full details in due course once confirmed.
For a simple plan of the new A30 dual carriageway layout and the connections with the de-trunked existing A30 once the project is complete, please click here.Please note:
The A30 will be closed for routine maintenance (lining and stud replacement work) between Highgate (Indian Queens) and Mitchell overnight from 8pm to 6am as follows (subject to traffic flows).
- 6 to 9 November – the westbound carriageway (Highgate to Mitchell) will be closed
- 9 to 11 November and 20 to 22 November – the eastbound carriageway (Mitchell to Highgate) will be closed
A diversion will be in place via A39, A392, A3058 and A3076 westbound and vice versa during eastbound closures.
This is not within the A30 Carland to Chiverton major project, if you would like further information about this work, please contact National Highways Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000 open 24/7, who will direct your enquiry to the most appropriate person, or email: info@nationalhighways.co.uk
-
15 August 2023
Overnight closures cancelled between Chiverton and Boxheater
The overnight A30 closures between Chiverton and Boxheater, which were scheduled for Monday 21 to Friday 25 August 2023, have been cancelled.
Work to progress the B3284 Chybucca link and create tie ins to the new A30 dual carriageway will now take place using temporary traffic lights overnight and during future closures.There will be no weekend closures during the school holidays. The next weekend closure is scheduled for 15 to 18 September 2023. Full details will be shared about this and related overnight closures in due course.
-
01 August 2023
Summer 2023 newsletter
For a full rundown of our progress to date, upcoming works, scheme photos, and much more, please follow this link A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross - scheme newsletter: Summer 2023 (forward-to-friend.com)
Overnight closures will be in place between Chiverton and Boxheater
- Monday 21 to Friday 25 August, 8pm to 6am.
Diversion route
As our works continue, we ask you to;- plan your journeys to allow yourself time to reach your destination
- not follow Sat-Navs as they take time to catch up with the new road layout so follow the signs provided and use the lanes stated on the signs
- be mindful of your impact on local roads and use the main roads and official diversion routes where you can
-
21 February 2023
Tolgroggan bridge lift – progress update
We installed a new bridge over the A30 in double-quick time last weekend as part of our Chiverton to Carland Cross road dualling scheme in Cornwall.
The Tolgroggan access bridge has spanned the A30 near Zelah for 32 years and needed to be replaced to accommodate the new dual carriageway and the existing road between the Chiverton and Carland roundabouts.
Despite mist and mizzle, weather conditions and wind speeds remained suitable for the lifting operation and the new 137ft (42-metre) twin-beam overbridge was lifted into place by a 650-tonne crawler crane on Saturday afternoon.
Our Engineers then undertook tying-in work on the bridge, dismantling and transporting of the crane and extensive site and traffic management clearance. We managed to reopen the A30 to motorists at 2pm on Sunday – some 16 hours ahead of the anticipated opening on Monday morning.
The new bridge weighs 275 tonnes, the equivalent weight of 23 double decker buses or 887,097 standard Cornish pasties and will eventually span the existing A30 road and four lanes of the new carriageway.
You can see a timelapse footage of the weekend works in the video below.
Now in position, our work will concentrate on construction of the new road, with the existing bridge to be demolished later this year.
Neil Winter, National Highways Senior Project Manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade, said: “We thank people for their patience and co-operation while we carried out the work. The operation went as planned and although the weather wasn’t the greatest, conditions were favourable and the preparation work paid dividends.
“It’s a key milestone for the project, and now that we have the new bridge in place we will be able to switch our attention to the other structures along the route.
“As part of the scheme, we’re building 13 new structures in all, both under and over the new A30, with one existing underbridge at Two Burrows, a short distance from Tolgroggan, being refurbished.”
-
11 January 2023
Progress update
We’ve continued to work on all the structures, this included pouring concrete bridge decks at Chiverton, Chybucca, Tolgroggan and Carland. We’ve also installed bridge beams at Marazanvose allowing us to plan for the concrete deck pour and other work on this structure.
We’ve made good progress on our drainage work with the use of a specialist trenching machine in areas where there is hard rock.
We also completed our roadworks between Chybucca and Chiverton. This meant that we were able to realign the A30 through the Four Burrows and Chiverton junction area at the beginning of December.
Next steps
We’re getting ready to install a new bridge at Tolgroggan. This will replace the existing bridge which we will demolish later this year. We will need a weekend closure of the A30 to carry out this work safely, we’re just finalising our plans and will provide an update on the date for this shortly.
Bridge beams being lifted into place last year for the new bridge at Tolgroggan
Over the next few months we’re aiming to complete the:
• underbridges at Chiverton East and Carland Cross
• road surfacing in the Hill View area on the A30 westbound carriageway
• roadworks at Henver Lane.This will allow access to the northern part of the new Trevalso Lane underbridge to start over the next few months.We will also be:
• changing the traffic management at Trevissome Park to allow access to the A390
• realigning the A30 at Zelah so that we can start work on the underbridge there. -
10 August 2022
Cornish home produce is core to National Highways’ greener A30 road upgrade
Cornwall’s very own china clay mining industry is playing a big part in the construction of our major A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade.
Sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint are key drivers behind construction of the 8.7-mile dualling scheme, and to that end contractors Costain Jacobs and supply chain Aggregate Industries are tapping into natural Cornish materials and a significant investment in local companies.
Larger infrastructure projects typically use millions of tonnes of aggregate – representing a large carbon footprint – but as with other modern-day road building schemes, the A30 project is utilising a by-product from the china clay mining industry.
The residue, known as stent, would normally have no use and be left in white spoil heaps, scarring the local landscape. Instead, the material from the Littlejohns Pit near St Austell is being processed into sustainable secondary sand and aggregate for construction use.
And just down the road, this is now being used as an engineering alternative across the A30 project, not only reducing the embodied carbon but also saving on the transport carbon cost.
Compared to the 5kg Carbon Dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per tonne carbon emission of virgin aggregate, the locally imported material is around 2kg CO2e per tonne, representing a reduction of around 3kg CO2e per tonne of aggregate used.
Added to that, Aggregate Industries has also invested over £4 million in the nearby Melbur Quarry at St Stephen to produce more carbon friendly warm mix asphalt for the new road surfacing.
Fully approved by National Highways, warm mix asphalt is a greener process that has less impact on the environment, with reduced hydrocarbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Due to its lower temperature, it is also safer for construction workers to use.
Warm mix asphalt is produced using temperatures up to 49 degrees Celsius lower than that used for traditional hot mix asphalt so less energy is needed in the heating process, meaning less fuel and a reduction in the plant's carbon footprint.
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said:
“The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross upgrade will reduce congestion, improve journey times and provide much-needed connection for local businesses.
"By using natural Cornish materials, we are also ensuring the scheme has a much lower carbon impact and provides a further boost to the local community, which is exactly the kind of innovation we want to see as we strive towards a net zero road network.”
Nick Simmonds-Screech, National Highways Project Director for the A30 scheme, added:
“We’re already really proud of our environmental and ecological work – we’re forecasting a net biodiversity gain in the region of 20% – and this greener way of working also spreads to our construction methods and material supply.
"We all have a part to play in reducing our carbon footprint and adapting to climate change, and modern road building methods are certainly playing a part in this.
“The move towards warm mix asphalts allows us to not only achieve huge efficiency savings but also reduce carbon as we strive for net zero by 2040.
“Carbon reduction, along with ensuring our roads provide smooth, safe, and efficient journeys for motorists, are key and something we are constantly striving to improve for generations to come.”
As part of our Net Zero Plan, we're committed to reducing our maintenance and construction carbon emissions to net zero by 2040.
On the Cornwall upgrade, Costain Jacobs and its contractors are also tapping into local skills and supplies as construction on the £330 million scheme progresses.
Aside from the aggregate and asphalt production, this includes the:
- employment of site managers and engineers from the local area
- use of Devoran Metals for reinforcement on the project
- daily use of a local scaffold supplier
- use of smaller suppliers of timber products
- engagement with local colleges and the Camborne School of Mines.
John Lee, Costain Project Director, said:
“It’s been good to tap into local skills and materials, we’re making excellent progress with the construction works and on course for the new road to be open to traffic in winter 2023.
“We’re also committed to working with National Highways and its Net Zero Plan and the use of warm mix asphalts and china clay by-products is playing a big part in the A30 helping to reduce the carbon impact of construction.”
-
02 December 2021
Exciting archaeology finds on the A30
Since August 2020, the A30 team have been conducting archaeology investigations to record, report and preserve the archaeological findings along the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme.
The Archaeological Contractor, Cornwall Archaeological Unit (CAU), has discovered artefacts from the Mesolithic/Neolithic transition period (around 6,000 years ago), the Bronze age (around 4,500-3,000 years ago), the Medieval period (around 12-13th Century), and the World War Two period.
Throughout the summer of 2021, we have hosted volunteer events to assist with our archaeological investigations in targeted areas.
Targeted areas include Penny-Come-Quick and Ventonteague, where the finds include a clearly defined post ringfeature (pictured). We are still progressing with the excavation of the surrounding area to uncover the full archaeological background; however initial investigations show that this is likely to be the remains of a stone circle.
Aerial view of pit ring at Penny-Come-Quick. Source: Jamie Lewis, Costain
We are also conducting a flint scatter in an area known as Ventonteague. We have found over 6,500 flints in this area and are continuing investigations to locate the epicentre of the flint scatter activity. These flints suggest the use of Mesolithic hunting weapons, processing tools such as scrapers and axes, suggesting an that there was an extensive knapping area at Ventonteague.
The flint from these flint scatters is likely to have been transported from areas such as the neighbouring coastline in Devon or Somerset as flint does not naturally occur in this area of Cornwall. The knapping area at Ventonegue can therefore be indicative of a manufacturing area where a range of tools would have been produced for a variety of uses, such as for hunting game and butchering meat. Investigations have uncovered signs of a 6,000–8,000-year-old water culvert in this area, supporting the theory of repeated settlement and activity in the area.
A flint found at Ventonteague, which is a core for striking blades off. Source: Cornwall Archaeological Unit.
Other excavations have uncovered two roundhouses in the Tolgroggan area which are likely from the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and would have been used as a domestic dwelling. One roundhouse also featured a post ring (a central area of pits and post/stakeholes), flint tools and a pot located centrally in the ring centre.
Archaeological team carefully excavating a prehistoric pot in Tolgroggan. Source: Cornwall Archaeological Unit.
The A30 team are continuing with these archaeological investigations with the support from Cornwall Archaeological Unit and the hard-working volunteers.
To keep in contact with the scheme, please contact A30ChivertonToCarlandCross@HighwaysEngland.co.uk or contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000.
-
16 April 2020
Development Consent Order
We were granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) on 6 February 2020 which allows us to build the design as submitted to the planning inspectorate (PINS).
We awarded a contract for the work to Costain on the 31 March 2020. In March, we also began preliminary works for the scheme. This includes the diversion of utilities, survey work to inform the detailed design and some site set-up work as we move through the summer.
Project information
Visit our A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross feedback tool to have your say. The tool includes an interactive map, so you can pinpoint any comments you may have about our work, or just give us general feedback.
ECHO is a one-way feedback tool, so if you'd like a response to your feedback, you can email the project team at A30ChivertontoCarlandCross@nationalhighways.co.uk
The Government’s Road Investment Strategy included a commitment to improve the A30 between Chiverton Cross and Carland Cross roundabouts to dual carriageway standard. Funding for this scheme includes a contribution from the European Regional Development Fund of £8 million towards its development costs, with a further £12 million allocated for the construction phase.
What has happened so far?
On 6 February 2020, the Secretary of State for Transport gave the go ahead for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme to be built by granting the Development Consent Order. We then awarded the contract to the Costain Jacobs partnership; and completed detailed construction planning as well as work involving environmental and archaeological surveys. We acquired the necessary permanent and temporary land parcels and set-up site.
In March 2020, construction works started. We worked round the issues created by Covid-19, breaking ground to build the road, construct the many underpasses and overbridges, attenuation ponds, Cornish hedge and other infrastructure.
We are constructing:
- 10 new underpasses and underbridges
- 3 new bridges over the new road
- Refurbishment of an existing structure
- Over 2.6 million cubic metres of earthworks
- 33 new culverts and wildlife crossings
- Nearly 29 miles of new highway drainage
- Over 12 miles of wildlife proof fencing
- New badger setts and bat roosts
- 8 miles of Cornish hedge
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.
For local people, particularly during the summer season, the simple act of getting to a neighbouring village can lead to unacceptably long and unreliable journeys, while opportunistic rat runners pose increased risk of accidents in their villages.
You can view our fast facts document to find out more.
The key objectives of the scheme are to:
- Make the route between Chiverton and Carland Cross more reliable by reducing congestion, journey times and providing more space for the travelling public
- Unlock growth, contributing to regeneration and sustainable economic growth by supporting employment and residential development opportunities
- Connect communities and making journeys easier by separating the strategic road from local traffic on the old A30. We will provide new bridges to cross the new A30 and maintain a route for local traffic and non-motorised users
- Design the proposed scheme to modern, safe and efficient road standards, which are suitable for the new dual carriageway
- Protect the environment, minimising impacts and where possible delivering enhancements to the environment
- Minimise disruption during the construction of the new road
Employment, apprenticeships, education, skills a social value legacy
We want to be part of our local community and to play a full and active part. Our community relations team engage with local schools, colleges and other educational establishments. We also engage with local community groups and anyone who has an interest in the project should get in touch with us.
We are:
- providing support to learners and offering opportunities for them to experience the world of construction
- employing local people, offering upskilling and apprenticeship opportunities
- seeking local businesses, materials and suppliers to support the project
- working with local charities and fundraising for them
- looking for volunteering opportunities for us to help with
- giving presentations to showcase our work.
If you are a local business and would like to register an interest, you can contact our team by emailing a30supplierenq@costain.com
If you are looking for work opportunities, you can regularly check www.costain.com/careers/ for more information.
You can also email the community relations team dave.james@costain.com or get a message to them by calling the project helpline on 0845 600 2664.
What are we doing for young people?
We have a dedicated Education, Employment and Skills (EES) Coordinator on the scheme who works with local schools, colleges, universities and JobCentre Plus to discuss any opportunities we may be able to provide. We are currently working with 5 local schools delivering Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) activities linking in with the curriculum wherever possible.
If you're a parent or teacher interested in finding out more about the STEM project, please email the project team: A30ChivertontoCarlandCross@nationalhighways.co.uk
We have taken on a T-Qual placement from Truro & Penwith College, who comes to the project one day a week on placement.
A new outreach programme has been developed for schools and youth groups in the area that includes looking at the need and legacy of the scheme but also how National Highways uses STEM throughout its work.
Two local Colleges engaged with one being one of our main training providers. Plymouth & Exeter University are in initial discussions to host career webinars and visits for leavers wishing to progress on to post-graduateships.
What are we doing to protect the environment?
At National Highways, we are committed to making the environment a priority. The scheme continues to protect the environment minimising impact from construction activities and deliver enhancements.
Surveys have been undertaken of river water quality, heathland, grassland, hedgerows, fish, breeding birds, reptiles, barn owls, dormice, otters, badgers and nightjars.
Prior to the start of construction activities, to protect and preserve the rich heritage of the area, archaeological landscape surveys took place.
Over 29 miles of new drainage will be constructed to protect the local area and water courses. The scheme will construct ponds to store and control the flow of surface water, install 33 new culverts and wildlife crossings.
Over 12 miles of wildlife proof fencing is being constructed, including badger fencing directing badgers to specially designed wildlife crossings, which will complement the three new specifically designed badger setts and nine otter crossing tunnels. A new bat roost has been built to replace an existing stone barn.
Construction of eight miles of Cornish hedge, representing a net gain of nearly seven miles of stone built Cornish hedge.
Heathland that was in the footprint of the new road is being translocated to its new home at Carland Cross. The reptiles in the Heathland area are being translocated to the Newlyn Downs SSSI ahead of the heathland translocation. Hibernacula have been built in the SSSI to ensure that the habitat can support the additional population through the hibernation season.
Planting of species rich grassland and trees native to Cornwall will blend the new with the old.
There will also be:
- Nine crossing tunnels specifically for otters
- Otter ledges in two of the culverts
- 21 crossings designed to protect connectivity for bats
- No artificial lighting on the main route or at junctions, removing any light pollution from the new road
- The construction of earth barriers and sound-absorbing fencing at key locations to reduce noise impact of the new road
We spoke to Ali Thomas, Costain's Environmental Manager for the scheme, to tell us more about what she and her team are doing on site - you can watch the full video below.
Documents
You can find the latest updates about the new entry and exit for Trevissome Park here.
Public engagement report
Public engagement report: appendix A
Public engagement report: appendix B
Public engagement report: appendix C
Public engagement report: appendix D
Public engagement report: appendix E
Public engagement report: appendix F
Public engagement report: appendix G
Public engagement report: appendix G
Public engagement report: appendix G
Public engagement report: appendix H
Public engagement report: appendix I
Public engagement report: appendix I
Public engagement report: appendix I
Public engagement report: appendix I
Public engagement report: appendix I
Public engagement report: appendix I
Public engagement report: appendix J
Public engagement report: appendix K
Public engagement report: appendix L
Public engagement report: appendix M
Public engagement report: drawings
Public engagement report: drawings
Public engagement report: drawings
Public engagement report: drawings
The DCO process was established by the Planning Act 2008 and is used for certain large and complex schemes (including highway improvements) that have been designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) by the Government.
The benefits of the DCO process include extensive pre-application consultation, detailed analysis, including a full Environmental Impact Assessment, and examination by an independent inspector before the final decision is made.
The Secretary of State for Transport granted development consent for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross Development Consent Order (DCO) on 06 February 2020. Links to key DCO documentation can be found below:
- Examining Authority’s report and recommendations to the Secretary of State for Transport
- Secretary of State for Transport’s decision letter and statement of reasons
- DCO as made by the Secretary of State for Transport
The made DCO is Statutory Instrument 2020 No. 121 and is available to view at legislation.gov.uk.
Development Consent Order – Requirements Register
Requirements are conditions that have been included in the DCO, which control how the project must be implemented (constructed and maintained). Implementing the DCO in accordance with these conditions involves completing consultation and approval processes that have been defined in the DCO. These processes are referred to here and in the DCO as “discharging” the requirements.
This Requirements Register is a live document and will be updated as the process to discharge the requirements progresses.
The latest version will always be published below:
View the Requirements Register.
This register will be maintained for three years following completion of the project. The register sets out:
- each requirement
- whether the requirement needs approval by the Secretary of State (or other duty holder)
- whether any approval has been applied for or given
Related Road projects
![](/media/pronxg1h/traffic_information_icon.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=96&height=96&rnd=132399802879370000)
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.X
Manage your cookie preferences to view the content on this page
Sign up for updates!
Keep up to date with what's happening on this scheme by signing up to our updates.