The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on almost everything in the world - not least the future development of Cornwall.

Several major road schemes have either had to be put on hold or changed their timetables as a result, at least in part, of Covid-19.

This week Geoff Brown, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for transport, is set to give an update on some of the projects in Cornwall.

St Austell to A30 link road

Works on this major project to build a new 3.9-mile single carriageway road linking St Austell to the A30 had been due to start in March, just before lockdown was announced.

The £87million project has been given government funding and will provide a new direct link to the A30 and bypass Roche.

It has taken years to get the project off the ground and it will have to wait a bit longer as work is now set to start in the autumn.

In his report Cllr Brown states: “Griffiths has been appointed as the design and build contractor following a robust procurement process. 

"They were planning to mobilise for a start of works in Spring 2020, subject to final funding confirmation, but further surveys and investigations were identified to discharge some planning conditions, and then further delays were introduced through Covid-19. Mobilisation and a planned start is now anticipated for autumn 2020.”

Truro Northern Access Road

A key part of the planned Langarth Garden Village is the Truro Northern Access Road which will serve the whole site.

The major development will see thousands of new homes built across several sites which stretch from Langarth to the edge of Treliske.

Read next: All the elements of the Garden Village masterplan explained

As well as the homes there are plans for schools, the Stadium for Cornwall, shops, employment space and community facilities across the development.

Cornwall Council is taking the lead on the scheme after making an intervention after a series of planning applications approved across the various sites came to a halt.

An interim road for the development has been granted planning permission and work is due to start on that in September.

On the access road Cllr Brown states: “The design for the Truro Northern Access Road is due to be submitted as part of the Langarth Garden Village hybrid planning application in October 2020.

"The land purchase is progressing with approximately 50 per cent of the length required already acquired by negotiation. In parallel with negotiation a compulsory purchase strategy has been prepared should the council fail to reach agreement on particular plots.”

Newquay Strategic Route

Another road which is designed to support a major housing development, the Newquay Strategic Route is for the Newquay Growth Area, now known as Nansledan.

Falmouth Packet:

Artist impression of homes which will be built as part of phase six of the Duchy of Cornwall's Nansledan development in Newquay

Phase one of the project is already complete but work is set to start on phases two and three which include a new railway bridge, Chapel Stream bridge and the western arm of the route.

Cllr Brown, in his update, states: “Delivery of these sections will complete the Newquay Strategic Route providing full scheme benefits.

"The approved project budget is £24.38m, however this includes some Section 106 funding that is still at risk.

"Negotiations with the various landowners are ongoing and the contract for the design of the new rail bridge is currently being finalised with Network Rail and we are hoping will be signed by the end of July.

"A cost review has identified that the proposals are over budget and work is currently underway to identify aspects of the project where financial savings could be made.”

A39 Atlantic Highway – Camelford Bypass

Like the St Austell to A30 link road, this project has been one which local people have waited for and wanted for a long time.

At an earlier stage in development than the other projects mentioned here, the update states that the Department for Transport has provided £540,000 towards scheme development and preparation of an outline business case.

The outline business case is due to be submitted by the end of the year with further decisions set for 2021.

Once complete a planing application and land acquisition process will follow in late 2021.