Preparation work ahead of Cliff Road upgrades to get underway in Newquay

Preparation work for planned upgrades to Cliff Road in Newquay is set to begin on Monday.

The work will take place along Cliff Road between the Narrowcliff junction with Edgcumbe Avenue and the junction with Oakleigh Terrace, as part of the Mid Cornwall Metro Active Travel project.

Cormac says the initial phase involves carrying out trial pit investigations ahead of the main construction works, which are scheduled to begin later this year. The investigations are due to start on 19 January and are expected to last for around seven weeks.

Between Oakleigh Terrace and the Narrowcliff, around 62 trial pits will be excavated at various locations across footways, the highway itself and along highway edges.

Cormac says trial pits allow engineers to examine ground conditions beneath the surface, helping them assess soil stability and check for any potential contamination. The information gathered will be used to inform the detailed planning and design of the main construction works.

To ensure the safety of workers and road users, signing, lighting and guarding will be used at most locations. Where trial pits are dug within the carriageway, two-way traffic lights will be in place, and temporary parking restrictions may also be required at times.

Cormac says it will do everything possible to minimise disruption and has thanked residents and road users for their patience and cooperation.

The wider scheme will include the introduction of a new segregated cycleway, which will replace 19 on-street parking spaces along the main carriageway. Some businesses have previously raised concerns about the loss of parking and the potential impact on trade.