'A46 Strategic Link Road Consultation' What is it? And what are the proposals?
By James Smith
1st Nov 2021 | Local News
Warwickshire County Council is currently consulting local residents over a proposed transport corridor between the A46 Stoneleigh Junction, University of Warwick and Westwood Heath in Coventry, with three options currently on the table for discussion.
The consultation ends at midnight tonight (February 14) and has been met with mixed feelings by residents and local organisations.
As the deadline fast approaches, we have put together a quick summary of the three options to help those wishing to take part in the consultation.
Option One: No Infrastructure Improvements
Fairly self-explanatory, the first option in the consultation is that no developments are made between the A46 Stoneleigh Junction and the university.
The county council has said: "Whilst this option might minimise the additional travel demand on the network, it would also restrict the ability to meet the demand for new housing and to maintain the current strong position of the local economy.
"Alleviation of existing traffic congestion is unlikely, which will consequently impact people's quality of life and health.
"In fact, journey times are predicted to increase without further investment in the transport network, particularly at peak times, with traffic volumes set to increase over the next ten years by up to 25%."
The first figure attached shows the proposed planning developments, and developments already with permission in the area.
Option Two: New link road to A429 Kenilworth Road
Option two clearly involves development, with a new link road linking the junction with the A429, further south than the current connection. This can be seen in blue in the second figure attached to this piece.
As yet plans have not decided whether this will be a single or dual carriageway, nor whether bus lanes or dedicated cycling lanes would also be incorporated.
WCC has said: "This option would provide a partial bypass for Stoneleigh Road and Gibbet Hill Road, but through-traffic would remain on Gibbet Hill Road through the University campus as traffic from Westwood Heath would not be able to directly
access the proposed link road. "Option Two proposals would also allow a future private connection providing direct access to the University of Warwick to be brought forward."Option Three – New link road to south of Coventry and University of Warwick
Option three would see a direct link road from the A46 Stoneleigh island directly to Westwood Heath Road in the centre of the university campus, as outlined by the third figure. This would also then see necessary remodelling work on a number of junctions in the area, as well as a new roundabout being built at the junction with A429 Kenilworth Road as well as a possible roundabout junction to the proposed station at the university. The new road would be a dual carriageway with segregated cycle and pedestrian facilities on one or both sides of the carriageway, until the junction with University of Warwick. WCC has said: "Initial analysis demonstrates that Option three would likely result in a substantial reduction in journey times across the local network, during both AM and PM periods. "Therefore, it is likely to reduce congestion and deliver network-wide benefits, as well as more localised benefits along critical parts of the network, such as the A45 and A46." Option Three also comes with some sub-options regarding the connections within the University of Warwick. Sub-option One: Gibbet Hill Road would close for vehicular traffic, with through-traffic having to use the new link road. Sub-option Two: A proposed extra link to Westwood Business Park. This would not be suitable for HGV's. Sub-option Three: Whether the link road should be connected to Westwood Heath Road, and where exactly along the road the link should be made. Following the consultation, planning permission applications and approvals, the county council are looking to implement the developments starting in 2025 and finishing in 2027. To take part in the consultation please follow this link.
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