A £1.2million highways scheme that provides safer links for pedestrians and cyclists in Truro has been completed.

The Truro Green Transport Scheme aims to improve the Newham Trail, Malpas and Boscawen Park, and the national cycle network route, which has been funded and delivered by Cornwall Council in partnership with the Truro Town Deal Board.

The project has focused on improving the connectivity between Trafalgar Roundabout and Boscawen Park.

The first phase of the scheme focused on Malpas Road as the speed of traffic and its narrow and constricted design were creating significant challenges for pedestrians and cyclists wanting to access the popular area.

The first phase of the scheme focused on Malpas Road. Specific measures include the creation of a landscaped green space area in place of the Pendeen Road roundabout, which was transformed into a ‘T’ junction.
The first phase of the scheme focused on Malpas Road. Specific measures include the creation of a landscaped green space area in place of the Pendeen Road roundabout, which was transformed into a ‘T’ junction.

Specific measures include the creation of a landscaped green space area in place of the Pendeen Road roundabout, which was transformed into a ‘T’ junction.

Other measures involve providing a 20-mph speed limit with traffic calming features along Malpas Road, improved access to footpaths and new crossing points to connect people to the riverside, together with new planting, paving, and seating. On street parking bays were also amended, with parts of the road completely resurfaced at the end of the works.

Other measures involve providing a 20-mph speed limit with traffic calming features along Malpas Road
Other measures involve providing a 20-mph speed limit with traffic calming features along Malpas Road

The second phase focused on redesigning the existing crossing and junction at the entrance to Malpas Road from Trafalgar Roundabout to reduce the speed of vehicles entering the road, support safer pedestrian and cycle movements, and create a more attractive entrance to the Truro River Loop.

The second phase focused on redesigning the existing crossing and junction at the entrance to Malpas Road from Trafalgar Roundabout to reduce the speed of vehicles entering the road, support safer pedestrian and cycle movements, and create a more attractive entrance to the Truro River Loop
The second phase focused on redesigning the existing crossing and junction at the entrance to Malpas Road from Trafalgar Roundabout to reduce the speed of vehicles entering the road, support safer pedestrian and cycle movements, and create a more attractive entrance to the Truro River Loop

The works include removing and rebuilding the splitter island, realigning the junction, providing new kerbs and footways and installing dropped crossings, making it easier for pedestrians to cross the road.

Work on both phases were carried out by Cormac, which has made travelling along the riverside by foot or by bike safer and more pleasant for all.

The schemes build on previous investments, which supported the first phase of the popular and successful Truro Loops project around the Newham Trail.

Project lead Kieren Couch said: “We knew that many people were reluctant to walk or cycle along the river edge on Malpas Road because of the lack of crossings and the speed of the traffic.

“Unfortunately, the space constraints along this road meant that it was not possible to create either a designated cycle path or a shared space. This meant we had to look at other ways to improve safety and provide better facilities for walking and cycling.

“While there were also additional challenges as a result of rising construction costs and the availability of land, which meant some of the original designs had to be amended, the final scheme provides better and safer routes and new green spaces for all to enjoy, whether travelling by bike or on foot.”

The chair of the Truro Town Deal Board, Alan Stanhope, joined members of the transport project to view the new measures following the final stage of the project being completed.

Mr Stanhope said: “Our vision at the start of the Town Deal programme in 2021 was to create a “connected river city.

“There was considerable public support for the Truro Loops project and one of the key aims of the Green Transport scheme was to build on the success of the first phase of the Loops and make it safer and more pleasant to travel around the city”.

“The investment from the Town Deal programme is also supporting a number of other projects within the city “ he added. “These include the Harbour and Lemon Quay’ investment which will deliver an enhanced event space with new lighting, projection and green landscaped areas at Lemon Quay; a new day boat pontoon, dredging and access improvements at Town Quay; new subway lighting; and Garras Wharf pathway enhancements.

“In the future people will be able to walk or cycle from Lemon Quay to Newham and then across the new Lighterage Bridge to Boscawen Park, where Town Deal funding is supporting the development of the new Community Sports Hub and improvements to the playing pitches, and travel down Malpas Road to Trafalgar roundabout”.

“I am very proud of the work which is being carried out in Truro as a result of Town Deal investment. The community can now travel more safely around the city for work or leisure, as well as accessing key areas such as the Newham Trail, Malpas and Boscawen Park.”

Truro was awarded £23.6m of the government’s Town Deal funding in June 2021. The Town Deal programme, developed in consultation with the local community, comprises seven projects that are designed to transform the city and local economy. A total of £1.9m of Town Deal funding and £300,000 of match funding from Cornwall Council has been used to deliver the Green Transport scheme and support the ongoing development of the Lighterage Bridge project.