The installation of a pedestrian crossing at the Kernick roundabout (the one near Penryn's ASDA) on the A39 took a major step forward last week when at Mabe Parish Council’s meeting on Thursday 10 February they approved a proposed crossing designed by Cornwall Council’s Highways Department. The crossing includes pedestrian activated lights to stop the traffic and is similar to other such crossings on major roads in the Duchy.
Kernick roundabout is operating at near maximum traffic volume capacity so the pedestrian crossing is intended to form phase 1 of a programme which, in phase 2 at a later date, will see traffic flows through the junction controlled by traffic lights.
The cost of the pedestrian crossing works is estimated at £362,000, excluding a topographical survey and design fees. There is expectation that some £330,000 of the total cost will be sourced from Cornwall’s local transport plan funds leaving the Parish Council to find some £70,000. Parish Councils are able to seek such funds from contributions arising from planning conditions on proposed building developments.
Having worked closely with the Parish Council and Cornwall Council in seeking a safer A39 crossing, I'm delighted that the installation of a pedestrian crossing will encourage more local residents to walk for short journeys.
The Parish Council will seek written letters of support for the pedestrian crossing proposal from interested local residents and organisations, including Mabe Junior School and Penryn College each of whom have students whose walk to school route crosses the A39.
Whilst the timetable for completion of the crossing has yet to be finalised, and will be primarily determined by the completion of funding, there are grounds to believe that two years may be achievable.
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