Cornwall Council and the Department for Transport have announced new investment for a brand new road linking St Austell to the A30.

Today (Friday, June 3), the Government has announced it will invest £78.5 million to build a new 3.9 mile, single carriageway road which will feature a shared cycle and pedestrian facility running alongside the full length of the project.

Organisers have said the scheme will create 6,300 new local jobs and will generate almost £112 million in benefits through reduced journey times and improved opportunities for green travel thanks to the scheme’s new pedestrian and cycle facility.

The new road will be designed to a 60mph standard with three additional roundabouts to provide access to local communities.

The new link road will provide a high capacity, quicker route from St Austell to the A30, tackling the severe congestion experienced across the local road network, especially during the summer.

Roads Minister, Baroness Vere, said: "We are committed to delivering world-class infrastructure in Cornwall to ensure the local economy can truly thrive.

"This £78.5 million investment will improve connectivity and attract crucial economic investment for Cornwall and St Austell, while giving motorists, cyclists and pedestrians the modern, safe and uncongested roads they deserve.

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"This scheme presents yet another important stepping stone towards cutting emissions and building a clean, efficient road network that is truly accessible to all."

The Department for Transport will provide £78.5 million in funding, with Cornwall Council contributing £6.4 million for an overall investment of £84.9 million.

Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor said: "This link will make a huge difference for residents and businesses who have wanted it for many years.

"We put forward a strong bid to government and I’m delighted that the Department for Transport has now confirmed the funding.

"It will bring further opportunities to the St Austell area, including economic growth and improved access to Cornwall’s growing employment sites.

"There will also be a total of five-and-a-half miles of new paths and routes for walking, cycling and horse riding, as well as a 'green corridor' of wildflowers, heathland, trees, and shrubs to support wildlife habitats, insects, and pollinators as we work to support active travel and biodiversity as part of this vital project."

Councillor Andrea Davis, Chairman of Peninsula Transport said: "The Department for Transport’s financial backing for the St Austell to A30 Link Road scheme in Cornwall is excellent news.

"It is fantastic that these works can now go ahead, providing much-needed connectivity between St Austell, Newquay, other Cornish towns and the rest of the UK.

"It is these types of improvements that are key to levelling up the economic performance of the South West.

"This investment will bring far reaching benefits into the region by unlocking sustainable growth and supporting plans for future homes and jobs."

The scheme has received final approval, meaning construction can now begin.

It is forecast to be complete in spring 2024.