A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross

Latest updates

• 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.”

• 11 May 2022

  Road closure planned for installation of temporary roundabout

  Work is progressing well on the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme, with construction activities ramping up and work becoming increasingly visible.

  The B3284 has been closed this week to realign the route for a new temporary roundabout at the Chybucca junction. The local route closure will be lifted on Monday 16 May, followed by overnight closures (8pm-6am) of the A30 between Chiverton Cross and the Boxheater junction from Monday 16 to Friday 20 May.

  A new temporary roundabout, to maintain the flow of traffic ahead of construction of the new Chybucca interchange, will then be installed under a full weekend closure of the A30 from 9pm on Friday 20 May to 6am on Monday 23 May.

  During the weekend closure, eastbound traffic will be diverted via the A3075 at Chiverton Cross to Goonhavern and along the B3285 to rejoin the A30, and vice versa for westbound traffic.

  Later this year in the autumn, another full weekend closure of the A30 will be in place for the installation of a new bridge, and demolition of the Tolgroggan bridge near Zelah.

  When the full closure is in place later this month, our advice to people using the road is to plan ahead as the diversion will add time to journeys. Before you travel, you can obtain up-to-the-minute travel information on the @HighwaysSWEST Twitter feed, by phoning the National Highways Information Line on 0300 123 5000 or by accessing the website: www.trafficengland.com

• 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 12-13^th 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.

• 28 May 2021

  Cherilyn Mackrory MP visits A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme

  Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro and Falmouth, recently returned to the Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme, this time to find out more about the environmental aspects of the scheme.

  Following a general discussion on scheme progress, Ali Thomas, Environmental Manager for the scheme explained how the project will manage environmental activities during the construction phase and how biodiversity will be significantly enhanced post construction. This was followed by a presentation from Kristina Pill, the Archaeological lead, who detailed the extensive archaeological activities being undertaken to identify and preserve the rich Cornish heritage.

  

  Following her visit, Cherilyn Mackrory spoke to the Environmental Bill in the House of Commons, recounting her visit to the site. She said: ‘On the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross, in the midst of my constituency, Costain are delivering a new 8.7 mile dual carriageway for Highways England. 

  ‘Journeys on this part of the road are regularly delayed, congestion often brings traffic to a standstill, especially in peak holiday times and as a result the Cornish economy is being held back.

  ‘Following a recent visit to the project and a meeting with the team, it’s evident that they are committed to protecting nature’s net gain.  In fact, biodiversity, conservation and improvement are at the heart of the scheme. The project has a 10% biodiversity net gain target and is currently predicted to absolutely smash it.

  ‘The developers take note, this is possible. Costain and their Environmental Manager, Ali Thomas, are deeply committed and passionate to protecting the environment.

  ‘The landscape and ecological design proposals being developed, include the planting of nectar-rich wildflower meadows indigenous to Cornwall. Tree and hedge planting will take place to replace those lost.

  ‘Animal crossing points for otters, bats, badgers and other animals will be built along the road, with a variety of foraging, nesting and roosting opportunities for other species.’

• 19 May 2021

  Work planned to improve access for wildlife on the A30

  The Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme is not just about improving safety, journey reliability and connectivity for local communities – it also goes for otters and other wildlife too.

  The new route has also been designed to protect the environment. 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.

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

  

  There will also be:

  • Nine crossing tunnels specifically for otters, and a new and specially designed sett for badgers.
  • Otter ledges in two of the culverts
  • 21 crossings designed to protect connectivity for bats
  • 12 miles of wildlife-proof fencing to guide animals toward these crossing points

  Work will start this summer to build the animal crossing points and existing environments are being sensitively replaced to limit the impact on any wildlife.

  In terms of further environmental work, the scheme will also see:

  • Over 28 miles of new drainage constructed to protect the local area and water courses
  • The construction of ponds to store and control the flow of surface water and address pollutants from the road
  • The construction of eight miles of Cornish hedge, representing a net gain of nearly seven miles of Cornish hedges
  • The planting of species rich grassland and trees native to Cornwall, blending the new with the old
  • 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

• 21 April 2021

  Chiverton to Carland Cross virtual information room - an update

  As the Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme progresses, we've updated our virtual information room. This time, we have focussed on the environmental work that we are doing on the scheme.

  You'll be able to view detailed information about the project, and be able to ask our team any questions you have.

  Our project team will be available on the following dates:

  Wednesday 21 April: 1pm - 5:30pm

  Wednesday 28 April: 1pm - 5:30pm

  You can enter the virtual room here.

  Join the virtual event

• 23 March 2021

  Environmental work - what are we doing?

  On the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme, we're committed to making the environment a priority. Over the duration of the scheme, we will be putting in a lot of effort to make sure we protect the environment for future generations.

  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.

• 26 January 2021

  Job opportunities on the Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme

  The A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme is on the lookout for companies in and around Cornwall to play a part and get involved with working on the scheme.

  As work begins to pick up, more opportunities will be available, both directly with the contractors, but also with the supply chain. The range of skills required will vary from plant operation to fencing to cleaning, accommodation and hospitality and everything in between.

  “2021 is going to be a big year for the A30 project”, said Josh Hodder, Senior Project Manager for the scheme. “We’re urging people and businesses within the local community to get involved. We are keen to offer job opportunities to local people, ensuring that we are fully inclusive of the diverse communities of Cornwall. 

  More details around job opportunities are available at https://www.costain.com/careers/ and any companies interested in working on the A30 project are asked to register their details at a30supplierenq@costain.com

  Local residents and businesses can also sign up for email notifications on this webpage and there is a dedicated community relations team available to answer any questions. The team can be contacted by email: A30ChivertontoCarlandCross@highwaysengland.co.uk.

  If you’d prefer to speak to someone, then you can phone the project helpline on 0845 600 2664 or Highways England on 0300 123 5000 and one of the team based on the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme will call you back as soon as possible.

• 11 December 2020

  Progress update

  In recent months, there has been a lot of interest in the upgrading of the 8.7 mile section of the A30 between Chiverton and Carland Cross. On 31 March 2020 Costain were awarded the work, and we began work on the scheme. This has included the diversion of utilities, survey work to inform the detailed design and some site set-up work through the summer.

  A large amount of archaeological investigation has now taken place along the route, ensuring that the rich Cornish history is recorded and protected.

  In late November 2020, the scheme moved into its ‘main works’ phase - further site clearance work has been taking place and areas of land will be fenced to ensure that everyone is kept safe. Our Environmental Team continue to work hard to limit the impact of the scheme on our wildlife and plants.

  We’ll be putting out further information about our archaeological and environmental work as the scheme progresses.

  For more information, you can also sign up for our email notifications.

  We also have a dedicated Community Relations Team available to answer any questions you may have. The team can be contacted by email.

  If you’d prefer to speak to someone, then you can phone Highways England on 0300 123 5000 and one of our team based on the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme will call you back as soon as possible.

• 17 August 2020

  Virtual public information event - Friday 21 August

  On Friday 21 August we are holding a virtual public information event in advance of work starting on site in September. The event will give you the chance to find out more about the scheme, what traffic management will look like and ask questions via a live chat feature.

  The room will be open from 8am on the Friday and there will be someone available to answer your questions until 8pm. The chat feature will open again on Saturday 22 August between 9am and 2pm. The room will then remain open for the entirety of the scheme, giving you the opportunity to follow progress as the scheme goes on.

  To get involved, visit this page on Friday morning and we will provide a link for you to enter the room.

• 16 April 2020

  Detailed design work

  Now that we have awarded the contract to Costain, we will now start to work on the detailed design for the scheme. We’re aiming to start the main work in autumn 2020.

• 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.