New link road opens after three years of work

A new road that will link St Austell to the A30 has opened in Cornwall after nearly three years of work.

The 3.9 miles (6.3km) single carriageway road connects the A391 at Singlerose Roundabout in Stenalees with the A30 at Victoria and includes new junctions on its route.

In June 2022, the government announced funding of £78.5m for the project, and work started the following month, with Cornwall Council contributing a further £6.4m.

The council said the new road would support employment, housing and regeneration in the area.

The A391 at St Austell is currently closed for resurfacing works, and due to be completed on 30 May.

The project has also created 5.5 miles (8.9km) of off-road paths and routes for walking, cycling and horse riding and includes a "green corridor" of wildflowers, heathland, trees and shrubs to support wildlife habitats.

Work on the road will continue over the next few months and a temporary speed limit of 30mph is in place in sections along the route.

Council leader councillor Leigh Frost said: "I want to thank local residents for their patience over the last two years as our contractors have worked hard to deliver this project."

He said the route would alleviate congestion and provide a catalyst for economic growth.

"It's also about improving health and wellbeing – the walking and cycling paths will open up new areas of clay country for people to enjoy and these safe, off-road links will give residents the option to make local journeys without having to drive."

Tim James, managing director for Alun Griffiths Contractors, said: "We're proud to have delivered this important new link road for Cornwall Council and the local community.

"This has been a significant project over the past three years, and we're grateful for the patience and support of local residents throughout."

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].