Welcome News for Rugby Western Relief Road
Warwickshire County Council is celebrating the news that the Secretary of State for Transport has fully approved the Department for Transport’s funding contribution of £17.08 million for the scheme which gives the final go ahead for construction work to commence.
The overall scheme cost is £36.6 million and the rest of the funding is provided by developer contributions.
Advance ecological mitigation works and limited site clearance will start immediately, followed by the main construction works which are due to commence around the middle of June. The two year contract will be awarded to Carillion Regional Civil Engineering who competitively tendered for the works.
The 6km road will stretch from Potford’s Dam on the A4071 to the Avon Mill roundabout at the junction of Newbold Road and the A426 (Leicester Road). The relief road will bring various benefits to the area including:
the removal of through traffic from both Cawston and Bilton villages
the reduction of congestion in the town centre in particular Bilton Road, Newbold Road, Corporation Street and Warwick Street Gyratory.
increased cycling facilities in the Rugby area
allowing the possibility of the railway line re-opening in future.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “This is great news for Warwickshire and even more so for Rugby and its communities. It will assist the movement of traffic, solving the major problems of traffic in and around Rugby town centre.
”This has been envisioned for over 25 years; my colleague Cllr Gordon Collett, who has been involved since the inception of the project, would like me to acknowledge the efforts of the officers in bringing about a successful conclusion. They can rest assured that their hard work will provide lasting benefit to the community.”
Councillor Chris Saint, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development said: “We are delighted that the money has become available to enable us to carry out this important work. It will greatly improve traveling to and around Rugby town centre and will be of great benefit to residents and local communities.”
Further information regarding the scheme is available by contacting either Brian Follett on 01926 412094 or Nick Sidhu on 01926 412345 or by visiting http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk and going to the Roads and Travel section.