'Huge problems' were faced by motorists across Kenilworth over the weekend during the first of two full closures of the A46.

The dual carriageway shut on Friday (February 7) and will reopen on Monday morning, before repeating the feat next weekend as HS2 works take over the road.

The February closures are a precursor to a three-week shutdown of the A46 later this year for a new bridge to be slid into place which will allow the new rail line to pass under the carriageway.

Temporary traffic lights were installed on St John's gyratory and on the Thickthorn roundabout to try and minimise congestion but had to be turned off during the day on Saturday as traffic built up across the town.

Cllr Rik Spencer took to social media on Saturday to say: "On witnessing the gridlock created by the temporary traffic lights on the St Johns Gyratory this morning, I contacted the highways portfolio holder and had them switched off.

Traffic lights at St John's roundabout caused huge issues on neighbouring roads (image via Cllr Andrew Milton)

"Traffic immediately started to clear.

"Apparently, these traffic controls were meant to assist 'Kenilworth' with traffic mitigation from the A46 HS2 road closure.

"Clearly, whatever modelling was used, provided an incorrect analysis.

"As soon as I saw the carnage that was being inflicted on residents, I took action."

Cllr Andrew Milton was also left unimpressed with the impact of traffic on residents.

Residents are already concerned about the upcoming three-week closure (image via Cllr Alison Insley)

"I witnessed for myself the huge problems caused yesterday," he told Nub News. 

"Warwickshire County Council's attempts at traffic management resulted in huge queues on Birches Lane, Farmer Ward Road and Leamington Road amongst others. 

"Given the sensitivity of the gyratory and its location in Kenilworth it was hugely disappointing to see a lack of visibility from highways staff monitoring the situation. 

"This was always going to be a difficult weekend for traffic which needed careful hands-on management. 

"I'm glad that eventually someone saw sense but leaving it down to locals to sort out the mess seems negligent. 

"Given that there are plans for a permanent signalisation of the gyratory I'd suggest an urgent rethink."

Traffic was backed up to the Thickthorn roundabout (image via Cllr Andrew Milton)

Residents were also quick to take to social media to vent their frustration at the works and the impact on local roads.

Some said they had queued for nearly half an hour along Farmer Ward Road and Birches Lane before the temporary traffic lights were removed.

One local said: "God help us when Cov road is shut for a month. Just needs a couple of other roads to be shut at the same time and there will be total chaos."

Another added: "Absolute madness to have those lights there this weekend."

Others pointed out the impact the three-week closure is likely to have.

"Just wondering what fresh hell that will bring on a working day if things were this bad on at Saturday!"

Traffic lights at St John's were eventually turned off (image by Nub News)