Cycle bridge installed over A30 at Chiverton

The bridge feautres the colours of the Cornish Mining World Heritage emblem

A new "traffic-free bridge" has been installed over Cornwall's biggest road as part of ongoing improvement works.

The 48m (157ft) structure at Chiverton will enable pedestrians, cyclists and horse-riders to cross the A30.

Set to open in January 2024, the bridge bears the colours of the Cornish Mining World Heritage emblem, and features the outline of two engine houses.

The steel frame bridge, installed by Costain, forms part of the St Agnes to Truro Saints Trail route.

The route is part of a scaled-back plans, providing about 13km (8 miles) of off-road and on-road trails.

The original plan was for 30km (18.6 miles) of trails but the £19m scheme was beset with problems, and described as a "total shambles" by councillors.

Richard Williams-Pears, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: "This bridge aims to support residents to make more sustainable journeys between the communities either side of Chiverton.

"I hope the completion of the trail, together with the construction of the northern access road, will encourage more people to make greener and healthier choices about how they travel."

Cornwall Council is investing £2m into the Saints Trails with most of the funding (£11.9m) for the project coming from National Highways.

The work is part of its programme to provide environmental, social and economic benefits to the people, communities and businesses who live and work alongside the strategic road network.

The St Agnes to Threemilestone Saints Trail link is also part-funded (£5.15m) by the European Regional Development Fund.