Roadworks scheme approved
MAJOR improvement works are due to start on the A46 next year.
The junction at Stoneleigh, which also leads to the University of Warwick, will be transformed with a new roundabout.
Planning permission was last week granted for the works and construction is set to start in the spring.
The works form the first phase of the A46 Link Road scheme, which will connect Jaguar Land Rover in Coventry with its sister site in Solihull.
Warwickshire County Council says that once construction is completed at Stoneleigh, the new junction will see “an improvement in operation and safety” and also “enhanced access” to the University of Warwick and Stoneleigh Park.
It is also believed the scheme will be of benefit during the construction of HS2, which some residents have raised concerns about – particularly over extra congestion and safety issues.
The improvements are being coordinated by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, Highways England and HS2 Ltd.
The improvements made in Phase 1 will see:
The improvements to the A46 at Stoneleigh make up the first of potentially three phases, which will be implemented over the next 10 years, to ease congestion, improve access to centres of education and commerce and facilitate growth.
Phase 2 of the A46 Link Road is planned to dramatically improve accessibility to the University of Warwick and the surrounding Business Parks and other employment areas through the provision of a new road linking the A46 at Stoneleigh with Westwood Heath via the A429 Kenilworth Road.
It will also help reduce the inappropriate use of minor roads such as Crackley Lane for traffic wishing to access the University and surrounding area.
Following a successful bid to the Department for Transport (DfT), funding of £1.25 million has been granted to develop the business case for Phase 2 of the scheme.
Phase 3 would see a further link from Phase 2 of the scheme towards either the A45 or A452. The aim of Phase 3 would be to enhance connectivity between the Coventry and Warwickshire sub-region and the economic opportunities afforded by UK Central in Solihull.