- Topsoiling work has started on Marazanvose Bridge, built as part of the A30 dualling scheme which has a predicted 20% biodiversity net gain
Costain, the infrastructure solutions company, is putting the final preparations in place for a green bridge in Cornwall designed to improve local biodiversity and benefit recreation.
The Marazanvose Bridge, constructed as part of Costain’s delivery of the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross dualling scheme for National Highways, is a 49.3 metre-long, 12.5 metre-wide ‘green bridge’. It spans both the newly constructed dual carriageway and the de-trunked B3288, part of the old A30 prior to the upgrade, and will provide a safe passage across the road for local wildlife, pedestrians and horse riders.
Costain has now started the topsoiling works to enable the bridge to support local wildlife, including badgers, voles, insects and birds. A circular economy approach has enabled the topsoiling to be generated from the scheme’s earthworks, and approximately 960 tonnes of topsoil will be used across the bridge deck and embankments. Planting work will follow later in the year.
Green bridges play an important role in the sustainability of infrastructure projects and are designed to improve road safety and biodiversity by providing a safe crossing point for wildlife and recreational users, connecting habitats and making wildlife populations more resilient. Costain constructed the first green bridge to be opened by National Highways as part of its upgrade of the A556 in Cheshire.
“As part of a collaborative effort across the scheme, we’ve placed a big emphasis on ensuring we’re providing a positive legacy and delivering ecological and environmental benefits above and beyond what’s required. We’re forecasting a biodiversity net gain of more than 20% across the scheme."
Tara McCracken Safety, health and environment manager at Costain
Tara McCracken, continued: “The Marazanvose Bridge exemplifies this commitment and we’re very happy to now be making the final preparations on the structure to enable local wildlife to flourish and ultimately support a sustainable, decarbonised future for Cornwall and the surrounding areas.”
The green bridge is one of the many environmental benefits of the scheme, with the nine-mile route designed to enhance biodiversity and improve connectivity for wildlife. This has seen the construction of 33 multi-species crossing points, as well as a specially constructed bat barn which is now home to a variety of roosting bat species. Other initiatives include the creation of eight miles of traditional Cornish hedging, the restoration of existing hedging, the safe relocation of reptiles and over 28 miles of new drainage.
Andrew Alcorn, programme manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme at National Highways, said: “We’re really proud of the environmental work being carried out as part of this project, and the creation of the green bridge is a leading part of that. 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. Our work goes beyond the traditional focus of road investment and beyond building, operating, maintaining and improving roads, and through the scheme and other initiatives, we’re aiming to create a lasting legacy for Cornwall.”
Since opening the new dual carriageway to traffic last year, which is reducing congestion and journey times for motorists, Costain and National Highways have been undertaking ancillary finishing up works on the scheme, which are now nearing completion.
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