A Cornish delegation today lobbied the Secretary of State for Transport to press the case for improving the A30 between Carland Cross and Chiverton.
Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton, Chris Pomfret, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, and Julian German, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for economy and culture, met with the Secretary of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin.
The single carriageway section is already one of the most congested stretches of road in Cornwall, costing Cornwall’s economy an estimated £2.9 million a year.
The Highways Agency have agreed to fully fund a Strategic Outline Business Case for improving the 12.51km section, which will look at the potential costs and benefits of any scheme.
This is due to be completed by the middle of September to enable the Minister to consider whether improvements to this section should be included in the Government’s Autumn budget statement.
McLoughlin said: “I have heard first-hand about the impact that congestion on the A30 between Carland Cross and Chiverton is having on the economic development of the region.
“The Department for Transport will continue to work closely with the Highways Agency, the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Council to look at what can be done to improve the single carriageway for road users. That work will be vital in making future investment decisions in the region.”
Sarah Newton added: “I have for some years been making the case for the A30 to be dualled between Carland Cross and Chiverton and have been pleased to work with Cornwall Council to secure today’s good news.
“The Highways Agency study into improving the road is very welcome at no cost to Cornwall Council and represents a first step towards securing the project.”
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