A SECOND lane of the notorious A30 bottleneck between Temple and Higher Carblake opened last Friday, July 22.

With the summer holidays starting this week, contractors Kier, were forced to work around the clock over the last few months to make sure that the second lane was opened to enable the estimated one million beneficiaries to get through in much quicker time.

With work to build the dual carriageway on schedule for completion next spring, the construction team from contractors Kier have been working around the clock to meet the aim of having two lanes in place eastbound in time for the busy summer holiday season.

The lane will be open between Friday, July 22 and Sunday, September 4.

Lord St Levan, chairman of Visit Cornwall, was delighted with the news. He said: “This is very welcome news for the tourist industry in Cornwall and visitors joining us this summer. The opening of a second lane eastbound means after enjoying all that Cornwall has to offer, visitors won’t have their memories diminished by queuing at this well-known bottleneck.”

Ann Vandermeulen from the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Road improvements in our rural county are a very big priority for everyone, particularly small businesses. From fresh food producers who need to move their goods quickly to their customers to service providers like plumbers, electricians and builders to our tourism customers and anyone who needs to be able to move unhindered through our county, this is one project that is going to make a massive difference to all.

“You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs, so any major works do cause temporary problems while they are under way. Not ideal but it has been unavoidably necessary with the end result culminating in a permanent improvement. Therefore it is with real delight and relief that we welcome the opening of this road over the peak season.”

Jamie Bee, project manager for Kier, said: “The Kier team and our supply chain have worked extremely hard, seven days a week, including a five week programme of permanent night-shifts to increase the capacity of the A30 for the summer holiday period. This intensive programme period has seen us complete the bridge decks over the road and approximately 3.5km of new carriageway. It has been a huge effort from all those involved and I am very pleased that we have managed to achieve this significant milestone”.

Cllr Chris Batters, Cornwall Council local member for Lanivet and Blisland, said: “As someone who has regularly driven the A30 Launceston to Bodmin road since the mid-60s, I’ve witnessed it’s improvement over those years, but this final stretch of dualling is going to allow motorists to enjoy their drive across the beautiful Bodmin Moors both when entering and exiting Cornwall, and remove much frustration experienced over the years, and more importantly make the road a much safer route.”

The Temple to Higher Carblake dual carriageway (A30) improvement scheme is being led by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Department for Transport and Highways England.

People due to travel westbound on the A30 past the roadworks are being advised to plan ahead where possible. Advice on where to go for live traffic information, as well as alternative routes and peak travel times, are available on the council’s website at www.cornwall.gov.uk/a30Temple