New Bridge Over A30 at Chiverton Opens, Enhancing Local Connectivity

Chiverton, Cornwall – A new pedestrian, cyclist, and horse rider-friendly bridge over the A30 at Chiverton has officially opened, marking a significant advancement in the area’s transport network.

This 48-metre structure, designed and constructed by Costain as part of the ongoing A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross dual carriageway project, is set to boost local connectivity between St Agnes and Threemilestone.

Strategic Development

The bridge is a crucial component of the Saints Trails route and aims to promote safer and more sustainable transportation options. Cornwall Council took the lead on the design and execution, utilising the last allocation of European Regional Development funding. While the bridge is now operational, the complete Saints Trails route will be finished later this year, with ongoing works on the A390 section near Penstraze.

Government and Community Collaboration

Richard Williams-Pears, from Cornwall Council, highlighted the collaborative efforts in making the bridge a reality, “The opening of the bridge represents a significant achievement for the teams working across multiple projects and funding streams to secure a legacy for Cornwall for generations to come.” He praised the local Truro Cycle campaign group for their persistent advocacy that contributed to the project’s fruition.

The bridge not only serves as a key link in the Saints Trail but also features iconic design elements reflecting the nearby Cornish Mining World Heritage sites. “About a quarter of Cornwall’s carbon emissions come from road transport, and we’re committed to putting the infrastructure in place to encourage people to make greener and healthier choices about how they travel,” Richard added.

Funding and Impact

The project received substantial financial support, with £5.15 million from the European Regional Development Fund and an additional £2 million from Cornwall Council. National Highways contributed the largest portion, investing £11.9 million into this project which forms part of a broader effort to enhance social, economic, and environmental conditions along the strategic road network.

Colin Bird, representing National Highways, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, “We’re committed to improving cycle efficiency and safety across our road network…The opening of the multi-use bridge across the A30, as part of the wider Saints Trails project, marks a major milestone.”

Benefits of the New Bridge

Andy Clarke from Costain also commented on the bridge’s role in promoting active travel, “This fantastic new bridge is a gamechanger for active travel, encouraging people to make more sustainable journey choices.” He noted that the bridge alleviates previous safety concerns and significantly enhances access for the local community.

The bridge at Chiverton is now open for public use, providing a much-needed safe crossing for non-motorised users across the busy A30 and integrating key community points along its path. This development not only supports the community’s environmental goals but also enriches the heritage connectivity, celebrating the region’s rich mining history through its design. As completion of the remaining sections of the Saints Trails nears, the bridge stands as a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to sustainable development and safety.

Looking Forward

With the bridge now operational, the focus remains on completing the entire Saints Trails route, enhancing the travel landscape of Cornwall, and setting a benchmark for similar projects nationwide. The continued collaboration among Cornwall Council, National Highways, Costain, and local advocacy groups forecasts a dynamic shift in how communities interact with their surrounding infrastructures.