New £47.5 Million Cornwall Road Opens Despite Local Traffic Concerns

A newly completed £47.5 million road linking the A390 near Threemilestone with the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske has officially opened in Cornwall.

The project, known as the Northern Access Road (NAR) and officially named Fordh Langarth, is being described as a key part of the wider Langarth Garden Village development near Truro. According to Cornwall Live, the scheme is considered a significant step in supporting the large-scale housing and infrastructure plans for the area, although some nearby residents remain concerned about its potential impact on surrounding roads.

The new route stretches approximately 3.5 kilometres and runs parallel to the A390. It connects the West Langarth roundabout with roads serving the hospital estate and Penventinnie Lane behind Treliske. The road includes a 20mph speed limit, segregated cycle lanes measuring 3.5 metres wide, and pedestrian pavements designed to encourage safer and more sustainable travel options.

Cornwall councillor Dulcie Tudor, who represents Threemilestone, described the opening as both a “major milestone” and an important infrastructure investment for the region. She believes the road could help reduce congestion along the busy A390 corridor leading into Truro.

However, concerns have been raised by residents living on nearby rural lanes and roads surrounding Langarth and Penventinnie Lane. Some fear drivers may begin using smaller back roads as shortcuts, potentially increasing traffic and affecting the character and safety of quieter local routes.

Councillor Tudor acknowledged these concerns and said Cornwall Council had committed to monitoring traffic patterns once the road becomes fully operational. She stated that assurances had been provided by Cornwall Council’s transport portfolio holder, Dan Rogers, that traffic levels on surrounding roads and lanes would be carefully assessed as usage increases.

Tudor also stressed the importance of ensuring the wider Langarth Garden Village project delivers on its long-term promises. She said she would continue to hold planners and council officers accountable throughout the development process to ensure the scheme provides the expected benefits for local communities.

The Langarth Garden Village project is one of Cornwall Council’s largest development programmes and aims to create a new community for between 8,000 and 10,000 residents over the next two decades. Current plans include the construction of around 3,550 energy-efficient homes, with approximately 35% classified as affordable housing. The development is also expected to include schools, healthcare facilities and substantial green spaces as part of a long-term strategy for sustainable growth in the area.