Controversy as A30 underpass is taken out of use

An underpass on the new stretch of the A30 in Cornwall which raised eyebrows due to its close proximity to a bridge with the same function is already being filled in.

- LEE TREWHELA

National Highways has confirmed that the tunnel at Chiverton has proved redundant and will be bricked up.

Constructed at the outset of the A30 dualling project in 2021, the underpass near the Chiverton junction was one of 13 structures constructed over and under the new dual carriageway. It was followed last year by a £2.68 million bridge just 450 metres away.

The National Highways underpass was intended for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, which was also the purpose of the bridge, a Cornwall Council project, which is part of the Saints Trails and replaced the former Chiverton 'Chivvy' Cross roundabout.

At the time, some locals questioned the logic of building both a tunnel and a bridge so close together, suggesting it was a waste of money.