Shock as ancient tin mine revealed beneath new £86m West Country link road
Stunning drone imagery has exposed an ancient tin mine's entrance appearing amidst the construction of a new £86m road link. The enormous crack, about 10m (32ft) in length, was discovered within a section readied for the forthcoming St Austell to A30 connection.
The opened chasm appears to be a slanted entrance to an old and 'unmapped' tin mine, believed to be approximately 3m (10ft) deep. At one end of the huge hole, a dark abyss suggests the beginning of what could be the mine shaft extending deep below ground.
The new 3.9 mile road, set to become a major conduit throughout the region, received financial backing from both the local council and central government.
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However, Cornwall Council has indicated it doesn't foresee any alteration to the road's expected completion date following the unexpected find, reports CornwallLive.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Council commented: "Given Cornwall's rich mining history, it is not unusual for unmapped mining features to be discovered during the construction process.
"We have recently uncovered two features along the route and investigation works are underway to determine the best course of remediation.
"We do not anticipate any delays or additional costs as a consequence of this event and the road is still anticipated to be fully opened in Spring 2025."
Local residents have been advocating for the new transportation link since 2014 fervently. Steve Double, former MP for St Austell and Newquay who faced defeat, remarked in 2022 when the announcement of the postponed road came that it would serve as an "vital" asset for the locality.
He expressed his delight, saying: "Local businesses and residents have wished for a better connection to the A30 for many years. Previous schemes had been cancelled and there had been little prospect of this road ever being built."
"I am delighted the road has now secured the final go-ahead from government and this funding represents the biggest single investment by any government in mid-Cornwall.
"It has been frustrating that the construction of this road has fallen two years behind the original plans, mainly due to the pandemic, but we have finally got there."