National Highways Targets Cornwall Collision Hotspots with New Junction Safety Programme

A series of upgrades to key junctions on the A30 and A38 will aim to reduce serious collisions, improve visibility and make some of Cornwall's busiest strategic routes safer for all road users.

National Highways is set to begin a new programme of safety improvements across Cornwall after identifying a number of higher-risk junctions on the county's strategic road network.

The investment follows a detailed review of collision records and traffic movements along the A30 and A38, with engineers developing targeted interventions designed to reduce the likelihood and severity of future incidents.

Construction on the first phase of the programme is scheduled to begin this autumn, while proposals for further improvements are set to be presented to the public later this year.

Data-Led Approach to Improving Safety

According to National Highways, the schemes have been shaped by analysing a decade of collision data alongside traffic flow assessments and risk studies.

Rather than undertaking wholesale road widening, the projects will focus on junctions where changes to layout, visibility and access arrangements are expected to deliver the greatest safety benefits.

The programme builds on wider road safety initiatives introduced across Cornwall, including speed management measures implemented on sections of the A38 last year.

A30 Works to Begin in September

The first construction phase will take place along the A30 between Launceston and Bodmin, where six junctions have been identified for improvement.

Locations included in the programme are:

• Plusha

• Trevell

• Two Bridges

• Blackhill Quarry

• Polyphant

• National Highways maintenance depot access

The works will include changes designed to simplify vehicle movements, improve visibility for drivers and reduce conflict at junctions.

In several locations, right-turn manoeuvres will be removed or altered, while redesigned junction layouts will improve safety for vehicles joining and leaving the trunk road.

Further Improvements Planned on the A38

National Highways is also preparing a second programme covering the A38 between Liskeard and Trerulefoot.

Public engagement on the proposals is expected to begin shortly.

The scheme is expected to focus on improvements at:

• Lean Quarry

• Menheniot

• Tencreek Cottage

• Castle Air Junction

Additional work is also planned to improve visibility and access arrangements at several other locations along the route.

Traffic Management During Construction

Construction on the A30 scheme is expected to continue until spring 2027.

To allow the works to be completed safely, overnight closures will be introduced between Kennards House and Five Lanes from 5 to 10 September, followed by temporary traffic management throughout the construction period.

A temporary 50mph speed limit will remain in place while works are underway, with occasional overnight closures required in both directions as construction progresses.

Supporting Safer Journeys

Jack Mason, National Highways' South West Road Safety Manager, said the programme reflects the organisation's continued focus on using evidence and engineering to improve road safety.

He explained that collision statistics, risk assessments and traffic data had all been used to identify locations where targeted improvements could make the greatest difference in reducing both the frequency and severity of incidents.

Cornwall Council has also welcomed the investment.

Councillor Dan Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said the A30 and A38 are critical transport corridors supporting residents, businesses and visitors across the county.

By addressing known collision hotspots through targeted engineering interventions, National Highways hopes the programme will improve safety while maintaining the resilience of two of Cornwall's most important strategic routes.