Major transport schemes will promote economic growth

Warwickshire County Council has approved investment in two major transport schemes to help drive economic growth in different parts of the county.

Capital Growth Fund investment will be directed to two key developments: Coton Arches in Nuneaton and Stanks Island in Warwick.

A maximum of £1.7 million from the Capital Growth Fund has been allocated to deliver improvements to the A444 Coton Arches roundabout in Nuneaton, as part of an overall scheme costing £3.7 million.

The Stanks Island project will receive a maximum of £2.59 million Capital Growth Funding for signalisation and capacity improvements within an overall scheme costing £6 million.

Both projects will significantly assist the freer movement of traffic which can only be good news for businesses and the local economy.

The Coton Arches improvements scheme has been developed to address congestion problems on the A444, the primary strategic route linking the town to the M6, Coventry and the local road network. The roundabout is at the junction of roads providing the primary routes from the town centre and housing sites in north Nuneaton to employment opportunities at Bermuda Park and Coventry, whilst also providing access to Bermuda Parkway station.

The scheme is a key element of the overall package of proposals for the A444 Corridor, one of the seven transport priorities within the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan.

In Warwick, the A46/A425/A4177 Stanks Island signalisation and Birmingham Road improvement scheme is a key element of a number of transport strategies.The scheme is complementary to the housing and growth planned within Warwick District and the proposals for this section of the A46 to become a Highways England Expressway on the section between the M6/M69 and M40.

This part of the A46 Corridor is also one of seven transport priorities within the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan.

Warwickshire County Council's Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways Cllr Peter Butlin said: “These are both key developments to resolve issues as part of this council’s commitment that Warwickshire’s communities are supported by excellent communications and transport infrastructure.

“In Nuneaton, the Coton Arches improvements scheme, with its signalisation of roundabout and hamburger link to improve capacity, should promote real economic growth for the area.”

Councillor Philip Johnson, Chair of the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, added: “The A46 Stanks Island development in Warwick will greatly improve the capacity of this important road and also lead to major improvements in terms of facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, which is something I welcome on behalf of residents.”

More advanced plans for the two schemes will be presented for public information later this year.