A MAJOR new route being built in Newquay is nearing completion.

The Newquay Strategic Route, which will connect Nansledan to Trevenson Road and the A392 at Hendra roundabout to relieve traffic pressure on Quintrell Downs, is due to open at the beginning of May.

The new road through the commercial heart of Nansledan aims to reduce traffic in residential areas including Trencreek, support the local economy, improve transport links, enable the building of new homes and a new Household Waste and Recycling Centre opposite Hendra.

Councillors were recently given tour of the new strategic route ahead of its unveiling.

Cllr Olly Monk said: “The route was something that was a dream when I first moved to Newquay over 15 years ago.

“I’ve been really pleased to see it go from earth moving to near completion.

“This new road network will relieve traffic from around Quintrell Downs and allow the Waste and Recycling Centre to move up to its new location.

“The whole area will have great connectivity via footpaths and cycle ways which will ultimately allow pedestrian access from Chester Road through to Quintrell Downs without having to walk down a main road.

“We were also shown the start of Market Street, which will feature a Market Hall, a supermarket, shops bars and restaurants.

“It is not just the road; it is everything else it has brought with it.

“There’s going to be wildlife ponds, streams, rivers, the wildlife habitat that will all come with it.

“It is going to be absolutely fantastic.”

Cllr Louie Gardner added: “One of the complaints we always get when we are building houses in and around any part of Cornwall is that we don’t put enough investment into the infrastructure.

“This is a major piece of investment for Newquay’s infrastructure. Probably one of the largest civil engineering projects that the town has seen for 20 or 30 years.

“It is here to relieve pressure on Quintrell Downs, to enable the household waste recycling centre to happen and also be able to relieve some of the traffic that runs through the Trencreek area.

“It is 15 to 20 years in the making right from concept all that time ago.

“Yes, this was an empty field at one point but this whole development is providing the absolute vital housing for local people in Newquay.

“It is a great mix of housing. A blend of affordable housing, shared ownership, open market housing, rental properties all now serviced by this road.”

Cllr John Fitter said: “It was always planned as the major bypass for Quintrell Downs to avoid the traffic problems.

“It was always something dreamed about back in the 1980s.

“It really is exciting and it’s going to be a major plus.

“I sincerely hope it’s going to help the community of Quintrell Downs.

“It will certainly contribute to a reduction in their traffic, which is what it is all about and provide another link for the down town Crantock area to get up to the A30.

“What I am impressed with is the quality of workmanship. I am absolutely amazed by the skill that has gone into this.

“They say we have lost a lot of our traditional building skills, but this is a brilliant piece of engineering work. I can’t praise the workmen enough.”

Cormac are delivering the project on behalf of Cornwall Council, in partnership with Network Rail and the Duchy of Cornwall.

Steve Worthington from Cormac said: “I’m extremely proud of the accomplishment of Cormac in the delivery of this project. “I think the imminent road opening will create a real benefit for the local community and open up the area so I’m looking forward to that.”

Peter James from the Duchy of Cornwall added: “It’s been a really important joint venture.

“My groundwork contractors have worked really closely with the Cormac team and that has been really enjoyable.

“Sometimes in construction we get bad press because we don’t work together with each other. This road proves that when you work together and you’ve got a common purpose you get a fantastic result.”