The much-promised road connecting Cornwall’s largest city with the Duchy’s largest road is back when it finally gets the green light from the government. The A30 connection between St Austell and A30 has been approved by the Ministry of Transport, which means that work can finally begin.
The 3.9-mile route will connect the A391 in Carluddon with Victoria and provide an alternative traffic route that currently passes through the villages of Bugle and Roche. Years of planning, the £ 87 million project was due to start in 2019 in order to be completed in June 2022, but various setbacks mean work has not yet begun. The Cornwall Council had hoped that work could begin by the end of last year, but that was also delayed. It is now expected to be open by 2024.
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Transport chiefs said the new road would generate almost £ 112 million in wider economic benefits, help create 6,200 jobs, reduce travel time and include a new shared pedestrian and cycling facility that runs the entire length on the new road.
Transport Minister Grant Schaps said: “People living and working around St Austell have long called for this connecting road, and I am pleased to confirm that construction can now begin thanks to the £ 80 million in government investment. I worked closely with local MP Steve Double, who has long supported and helped to overcome this scheme. The new connecting road will bring more than £ 112 million in economic benefits, reduce travel time and better connect St. Austell to the rest. from Cornwall.
He said drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in Cornwall would benefit from reduced congestion, improved travel times and cleaner air as a result of the new scheme. Funding for the road came mainly from the Ministry of Transport, which had to provide more than £ 78 million, with the rest coming from the Cornwall Council.
The new route will start at the existing roundabout in Stenalees and provide a new route that will bypass Roche. The major road project is one of four in the country to benefit from £ 160m in government investment to improve infrastructure and support local communities.
Mr Double welcomed the news, saying: “Local businesses and residents have wanted a better connection with the A30 for many years. The previous schemes were canceled and there was little prospect of it ever being built. When I started my first election campaign in 2014, I promised to make achieving this path my top priority. “
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He added: “I am pleased that the road has already secured final government approval, and this funding is the largest single investment by any government in mid-Cornwall. It was disappointing that construction on this road was two years behind the original plans, mainly due to the pandemic, but we finally got there.
“Now this means that work can begin immediately on providing this vital link. This scheme will not only benefit St. Ostel and the surrounding area by relieving pressure on Roche, Bugle and Stenalees, but will also provide huge economic benefits and a more direct route to the A30 and Cornwall Newquay Airport.
The works will also include modernized lanes and paths for cyclists and pedestrians to maintain active, low-emission travel, working to achieve the country’s net zero targets. The new road will be designed according to the 60 mph standard with three additional roundabouts to provide access to local communities.
Cornwall Council Linda Linda Taylor added: “This connection will make a huge difference for residents and businesses who have wanted it for many years. We are making a strong offer to the government and I am pleased that the Ministry of Transport has confirmed the funding. This will bring additional opportunities to the St Austell area, including economic growth and improved access to growing jobs in Cornwall.
There will also be a total of five and a half miles of new trails and routes for walking, cycling and horseback riding, as well as a “green corridor” of wildflowers, wastelands, trees and shrubs to maintain wildlife habitats, insects and pollinators as we work. to support active travel and biodiversity as part of this vital project. “
The scheme has received final approval, which means construction can now begin. It is expected to end in the spring of 2024.
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