Costain has completed the detailed design and construction of a new traffic-free bridge over the A30 dual carriageway just outside Truro.

The 48-metre Chiverton bridge has now opened to the public, providing a safe crossing point for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders and a significant boost for local connectivity.

Cornwall Council led on the design and delivery of the bridge using the final round of European Regional Development (ERDF) funding. 

Key benefits of the scheme include:

• Achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating for its commitment to sustainability.

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• Saving approximately 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide (tCO2e) - a 30% reduction compared to the concept design.

• Creating habitats which will result will in nearly 220% Biodiversity Net Gain.

• Removing 18 tonnes of steel from the bridge design, equating to approximately 50 tCO2e.

• Maximising use of low carbon cement and repurposed excavated materials.

• The bridge began construction in Summer 2023 and forms part of a wider walking, horse-riding, and Cycling (WHC) scheme, the Saints Trails, which aims to improve non-car user connectivity, promote active lifestyles, and contribute to Cornwall's environmental goals. Andy Clarke, director for integrated transport at Costain, said: "This fantastic new bridge is a gamechanger for active travel, encouraging people to make more sustainable journey choices. Walkers, cyclists and horse riders are now able to enjoy the benefits of this important stretch of the Saints Trails, something which the local community enthusiastically campaigned for. In addition to the sustainability benefits both during delivery and beyond, the new bridge addresses previous safety concerns and improves local access."