THE SECRETARY of State for Transport Patrick McLoughlin will cut the first turf to mark the start of works on the Camborne-Pool–Redruth link road tomorrow afternoon.
The visit follows the Department for Transport's decision in February to contribute £16.1 million to the key road scheme.
The project has also benefited from financial support towards the development costs from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Convergence Programme as part of a package of schemes that have been awarded more than £1m to date. An additional contribution of £4.2m has recently been secured from the ERDF Convergence programme.
"This is a vital scheme for Cornwall which will help drive forward the regeneration of the Camborne Pool Redruth area and assist economic growth," said Peter Marsh, Cornwall Council's interim corporate director for environment. He added: "We are delighted that the minister has agreed to come to help mark the start of the work and look forward to welcoming him back in the future to cut the ribbon at the end of the project."
Part of the wider development plans for the Camborne, Pool and Redruth area, the scheme will provide a new East West link road from Dolcoath to Dudnance Lane, across the Red River Valley. It will also include the provision of new junctions and cycle facilities on Dudnance Lane and Station Road, and a new link from Station Road to Wilson Way. The project was originally facilitated by CPR Regeneration and then continued by Cornwall Development Company.
The new road will provide access to proposed development areas and remove traffic from the A3047 and the East Hill junction. This is said to reduce congestion and the associated noise and air quality impacts, while allowing regeneration projects in the area to proceed over the coming years, supporting economic growth. Once traffic has been diverted, further public transport improvements between Roskear and Barncoose will be possible.
The works, which will carried out by Carillion, are expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2014.
"I am delighted that Patrick McLoughlin will be coming to Camborne and Redruth to officially begin work on the new link road," said George Eustice, MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle. "This is a great project because it will unlock the potential of derelict mining land in the area, attract new industries and also clear the way for the proposed Tuckingmill Urban Village. It has been estimated that the road could stimulate the creation of 6000 jobs over the next twenty years with half of them in the next decade and these are much needed jobs in our area."
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin added: "Good transport links are crucial for getting to work, transporting goods and visiting friends and family. That is why we have given over £16m to this important scheme which will relieve congestion, improve connectivity across the region and unlock new opportunities for employment. By investing in infrastructure like the Camborne and Poole link road, we can make a difference to people's lives and give our regional economies a real boost."
During the works a team of engineers from Cornwall Council and Carillion will be based in site offices located on Dudnance Lane. They can contacted via the Council's helpline on 0300 1234 222 to help with any queries arising from the construction activities. Scheme details are also available on the council's website at http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=28342
