Council tightlipped over delays to major new link road and A46 Stoneleigh scheme amid protests - The Solihull Observer

Council tightlipped over delays to major new link road and A46 Stoneleigh scheme amid protests

Solihull Editorial 31st Oct, 2019 Updated: 31st Oct, 2019   0

WARWICKSHIRE highways bosses are tightlipped over delays to a major new link road and junction improvement scheme for the county, Coventry and Solihull region – amid residents’ protests.

When the A46 Stoneleigh Junction Improvement scheme was first announced in June 2017, it was scheduled to be completed by this year.

A gyratory layout with a two-bridge roundabout was planned, with a new bridge to the east of the existing junction, and realigning of Stoneleigh Road and Dalehouse Lane in Kenilworth.

A major new link road from the improved A46 Stoneleigh junction to Warwick University via Westwood Heath in Coventry is planned to tackle congestion and improve links to Stoneleigh Park exhibition centre.




The new road would later extend through Solihull borough towards the new HS2 interchange station, nearby NEC and the UK Central redevelopment scheme around it.

Now county highways bosses say design proposals will go to public consultation early next year.


Councillor Jeff Clarke, portfolio holder for transport, told BBC Coventry and Warwickshire that such major projects take time.

The county council has so far failed to respond to our questions seeking explanation for the project’s apparent delays.

It would also serve thousands of new homes at the proposed controversial King’s Hill housing development near Stoneleigh and the Finham area of Coventry.

Protests are coming from Westwood Health Residents Association backed by Coventry Westwood Conservative opposition city councillors including David Skinner and Tim Mayer.

They are concerned the new road will simply displace traffic into residential areas including Westwood Heath and Burton Green near Balsall Common in Solihull borough.

In an email to Coun Skinner seen by the Observer, Coventry City Council’s head of transport John Seddon suggested part of the scheme was still subject to government funding approval.

Mr Seddon’s email states: “As referred to at the recent city council meeting, there will be consultation on the design options for the A46 strategic link road early in 2020.

“This will include consideration of how the link road might interact with the local road network, and the identification of those parts of the local road network, within both Coventry and Warwickshire, where improvements might be required as part of the link road scheme.

“I am also aware that you have received a request from a constituent for an update on the A46 Stoneleigh Junction. This scheme is being led by Warwickshire, but as noted above it does form part of the Coventry South Transport Package.

“The scheme is programmed for a construction start in Spring 2020, with completion due in Autumn 2021.

“This programme is subject to securing the final funding approvals from the Department for Transport, and the final technical design approvals from Highways England. Some preparatory works were completed earlier in 2019, and further early environmental works are programmed for early 2020.

“Other statutory approvals for the scheme, such as planning approval and Side Road Orders, have been secured, whilst the construction contract is currently out to tender.”

He adds the strategy includes: “An extension of the above new road to link to UK Central at Solihull either via a route directly onto the A45 or A452 (referred to as A46 Link Road Phase 3).”

It is understood the link road to the University of Warwick from Stoneleigh could be scheduled for completion in 2024 on the latest timescales.

HS2 phase one between the Birmingham Interchange station and London has been delayed up to five years to 2031, and is under a review called by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Warwickshire County Council website states:

Since planning permission for the A46 Stoneleigh Junction Improvement Scheme was granted in 2018, a number of elements of work have been carried out.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has been approved the Side Road and Slip Road Orders.

The detailed design of roads and bridges are finished and has been sent out for pricing.

The Highways England technical approval process has started and ecological works to protect the environment and minimise the impact of the scheme have been carried out.

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