Congestion-busting plan for Coton Arches step closer

A CONGESTION-BUSTING project at a notorious Nuneaton roundabout has taken a step forward to becoming a reality.

Warwickshire County Council is holding a public event later this month so that people can find out more about the Coton Arches project.

This is prior to the works, which will, actually starting.

Representatives from Galliford Try, the contractor in charge of bringing the project to life, will be on hand at the event as will officers from the county council’s design services.

The event marks a major milestone in the project which has been hit by delays, including a huge waiting time in finding a contractor.

Some minor works have taken place, including tree removal on the actual roundabout, but the information session will signal the biggest move towards the scheme actually starting.

As part of the project, Coton Road willbe extended across the traffic-clogged roundabout, providing two dedicated lanes onto the A444 Chilvers Rise.

The two lanes currently available to traffic down to Chilvers Rise towards the roundabout will be changed into three lanes, giving another lane access towards the town. Also, as part of the scheme, the existing toucan crossing will be removed from the A4254 Avenue Road near Coventry Road; and the existing dual puffin crossing on the A444 Coton Road near Edward Street will be upgraded to a dual toucan crossing.

It will cost a grand total of £3.7m with £2m being provided through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

It is hoped that the works will ease the notorious traffic jams around the roundabout, as well as unlock economic potential. Engineers say that by installing signals at the roundabout it will help ease congestion, utilising a traffic control system that can detect vehicles and adjust settings.