Work Begins on New Wildlife Bridge as National Highways Expands Eco-Friendly Road Projects

Image Credit: National Highways

Construction is now underway on Cornwall’s second green bridge, according to National Highways. Part of the ongoing A30 upgrade between Chiverton and Carland Cross, the new structure is designed to support wildlife movement across the busy roadway. Built as a dual-deck bridge, it stretches over both the brand-new dual carriageway and the original A30 route, now known as the B3288.

National Highways said topsoil work was underway to turn the bridge at Marazanvose "from grey to brown, followed by green planting in the autumn".

Andrew Alcorn, National Highways' programme manager for the scheme, said he was "really proud of the environmental work being carried out" as part of the project.

Mr Alcorn said: "Our green bridge will be the third for the company, one of only a handful across the country, and once completed, it will provide a safe crossing for various species of wildlife, as well as for walkers and horse riders.

"Along with other environmental measures, we've built a total of 33 multi-species crossing points as part of the project, and we look forward to seeing the bridge bloom for many years to come, providing a real legacy for the scheme and for Cornwall."

Named the Marazanvose Bridge, the crossing measures just over 49 meters in length and 12.5 meters wide. It spans four lanes of the newly built highway and two lanes of the former route, creating a continuous corridor of safe passage for local animals.

The goal is to provide a lifeline for a variety of species, ranging from badgers and voles to smaller creatures, such as insects and birds. To help with this, the bridge will be landscaped with two native hedgerows featuring traditional countryside plants such as hazel, hawthorn, holly, dog rose, elder, and wych elm.

It said: "Planting work will take place in the autumn, along with seeding, and after all planting work across the scheme, a five-year maintenance period will follow to ensure the successful bedding in and growth of all new trees and shrubs.

"As part of the road scheme, a total of 87,000 trees are being planted across the landscape in addition to the green bridge planting, and with over 40,000 already in the ground, the remainder will be installed in suitable conditions later this year."

The A30’s new dual carriageway opened to traffic last June, and the green bridge is the latest move to ensure infrastructure development doesn’t come at the expense of local biodiversity.