NATIONAL Highways is preparing a major package of safety improvements on the A38 between Liskeard and Trerulefoot as part of a wider investment to make Cornwall’s roads safer.

The proposed A38 scheme will target a number of notorious junctions identified as requiring improvements, including Lean Quarry, Menheniot, Tencreek Cottage and Castle Air, along with other changes to road layouts, access points and visibility.

National Highways will hold a public engagement event later this year to give communities the opportunity to view the proposals, ask questions and provide feedback.

The plans follow a safety study of the A38, which analysed 10 years of collision data, traffic movements and junction layouts, including slip roads. The company has also worked with police, Cornwall Council and local community groups to identify measures aimed at reducing the number and severity of incidents.

Jack Mason, South West Road Safety Manager for National Highways, said safety remained the organisation’s “number one priority”.

He said: “We’re always exploring ways to make our roads safer by using collision data, risk assessments and insights to reduce the number and severity of incidents. As part of recent road safety studies, we’ve analysed 10 years of safety data, investigated traffic flows and movements around junctions on the A30 and A38, and adjoining slip roads.

“We’ve been liaising closely with police and local authority partners, and community groups, to identify a number of interventions aimed at improving safety. The engagement event will provide an opportunity for businesses and communities to get a better understanding of our proposals.”

The A38 plans follow the introduction of a speed reduction scheme between Carkeel and Trerulefoot last year, with National Highways continuing to look at ways to improve safety along one of Cornwall’s major strategic routes.

A presentation on the proposals was recently given to members of the South East Cornwall Community Area Partnership – with details of the public event set to be announced once confirmed.

National Highways is also carrying out safety work on the A30, with a £9.8 million scheme between Kennards House and Five Lanes due to begin on September 5.

The project will focus on six junctions – Plusha, Trevell, Two Bridges, Blackhill Quarry, Polyphant and the Highways maintenance depot – with the aim of reducing collisions and improving traffic movements.

The A30 scheme, which includes £8 million of dedicated safety measures, is expected to be completed in spring. Overnight closures will be required between 9pm and 6am from September 5 to September 10 to install traffic management.

Once work begins, the A30 will operate with one lane in each direction and a 50mph speed limit, with some additional overnight closures required during the scheme.

Cornwall Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for transport, Dan Rogerson, said improving safety on Cornwall’s strategic road network was a shared priority.

He said: “These routes provide vital connections for our residents, businesses and visitors. We welcome National Highways’ commitment to working with local communities and will continue to support solutions that deliver both safety and connectivity.”