National Highways is proposing to remove right turns across the central reservation at four A38 junctions near Liskeard, prompting calls for a larger-scale solution including a new bridge.
The planned changes would affect junctions at Lean Quarry, Menheniot, Tencreek Cottage and Castle Air on the route between Liskeard and Trerulefoot. The scheme is estimated to cost between £5m and £6m.
National Highways expects detailed design to take place in 2027/28, with construction targeted for late 2028/29. The timetable remains subject to funding and potential delays.
Collision history
National Highways says the dual carriageway between Liskeard and Trerulefoot recorded 39 injury collisions and four deaths over the past 20 years. Using data from 2019 to 2024, it says the route has a serious and fatal collision rate 34% above the regional average.
Jack Mason, National Highways’ South West road safety manager, said “quite a lot of the high severity injury collisions” on the section involved right turns.
The proposals follow a speed reduction scheme introduced on the Carkeel to Trerulefoot section last year. National Highways held a public information session at Liskeard Public Hall on 5 October.
Campaigners seek grade separation
Local campaign group Safe38 supports some elements of the plan but has described other parts as “very poorly thought out”. It argues that the proposals do not close the central reservation gaps, which it considers essential to improving safety along the route.
The group is also concerned that removing right turns, particularly at Menheniot, could weaken links between communities north and south of the A38. It says access to Adrenalin Quarry and Menheniot railway station could also be affected.
Safe38 chairman James Millidge has called for National Highways to abandon the current proposals and develop “an appropriate long-term solution”. The group’s alternative is a grade-separated junction and bridge at Menheniot, supported by local access roads. It says this approach could allow most of the central reservation gaps and right turns between Liskeard and Trerulefoot to be closed while maintaining connections for communities and businesses.
National Highways says its proposed scheme would “make a difference and improve safety”. It has described the alternative proposals as “very expensive” and previously said it would work with Cornwall Council on improvements to connecting roads.
The project is the second stage of National Highways’ Cornwall junction safety programme, which began on the A30.