National Highways is progressing with a scheme which will improve safety for motorists on the A38 in Cornwall.
In recent years, the A38 at Notter Bridge has been identified as a designated flooding hot spot, creating a significant hazard for road users.
Following safety studies, a £1.3 million drainage improvement scheme is being carried out to refurbish the highway drainage system and mitigate further flooding on land close to the River Lynher.
Work started in early September, is on schedule to be completed in mid-December before the Christmas holidays, and the National Highways project team recently hosted South East Cornwall MP Anna Gelderd for a site visit to update on progress.
Recent safety studies identified a significant percentage of rain-related collisions in the location and the investment, which will bring both safety and environmental benefits, has been realised through National Highways’ Environment and Well being fund.
Following the visit, MP Anna Gelderd said: “It was excellent getting to meet the team delivering the improvements at Notter Bridge. I’m more than aware of how much need there’s been for drainage improvements here following historical flooding in the area.
“The completion of these works will be of great local benefit to residents, road users and the environment. I’m pleased that the works are on schedule and I’m aware that National Highways and Octavius have worked tirelessly to ensure that the works are completed on time and to high standards.”
Ian Ellis, National Highways’ South West Programme Manager, said: “We’re investing in the environment and communities surrounding our network, as well as the people travelling and working on it, and this environmental investment will make a difference for both local communities and the thousands of people who use this route.
“We’ve worked closely with Octavius to realise this project – a glowing example of how we can make a positive environmental impact while improving safety for motorists on our roads.”
Work, which involves the replacement of existing drainage pipes and gullies, significant vegetation clearance, barrier renewal, waterproofing and resurfacing, is currently being carried out under single lane westbound and eastbound closures of the A38.
Working with local communities, a bus shuttle service has also been provided by the project team to minimise disruption during the second stage of the scheme.
National Highways manages four designated funds to deliver benefits above and beyond building, maintaining and operating England’s strategic roads.
From protecting the environment and enhancing the landscape around roads, to improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting communities, the aim is to make a positive difference to people’s lives.
Elsewhere in the South West, National Highways’ designated funding has also enabled woodland, grassland and heathland enhancements close to the A30 in Corwall, enabled grassland and wildflower initiatives along the A303 and M4 in Wiltshire, the A46 near Bath and the A35 in Dorset, along with a suite of wildflower grasslands projects alongside the strategic road network in the Cotswolds.
PIC-NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
