Rugby Western Relief Road works progress
Work is progressing well on the Rugby Western Relief Road, with a number of new developments underway.
In the area of Bilton Lane Junction the street lighting columns and the acoustic fencing are currently being erected. When complete, this fencing will provide the nearby homes and residential areas protection against traffic noise.
At Sow Brook Bridge precast concrete beams have been successfully lifted into place. The fixing of the reinforcing steel and the erection of shutters in preparation for pouring the bridge deck is presently being carried out.
The length of reinforced earth retaining between Sow Brook Bridge and Lawford Road, is progressing and is now well out of the ground
Lawford Road Junction, which will be the largest signalised junction in Warwickshire is progressing well. It is anticipated that the macadam (tarmac) will be laid by early October which will protect the lower layers of the road construction from the anticipated winter weather.
Where the new macadam abuts the existing road, it will be necessary to close the road to enable the work to be done in safety. This is planned for the weekend of October 3rd and 4th. Pedestrians will not be affected, and the properties of Paynes Lane will still have access. However this will have to be from the direction of Long Lawford. A diversion route from Rugby town centre will be set up.
The excavation for the tunnel to connect the quarries on either side of Parkfield Road is nearing completion and work on the structure will soon start. The faces of the excavation are so steep that they have been strengthened using a system of sprayed on concrete and soil nailing. This has resulted in it being a slow process.
Most of the precast parapet units have lifted into place on Parkfield Road Railway Bridge. Like most operations associated with this bridge, this was carried out when the railway line was closed to rail traffic. It was therefore done overnight during recent weekends.
Newbold Road Roundabout which is very close to the large Avon Valley School has now progressed to the point where in can function as a roundabout so the temporary traffic signals have been removed. The access to Yates Avenue, Forsted Road and The Glebe Estate has also been reinstated.
A considerable amount of effort was put in to ensure that this stage was reached before the start of the school term, and this target was reached with 3 days to spare. The county council and the contractors, Carillion, would like to thank the people who live and travel in this area for their co-operation and patience during August when the unavoidable disruption was at its most severe.
Work is continuing on the Avon Mill roundabout but at the moment this is being done under local road narrowing so has not caused a great deal of traffic disruption.
However in a few weeks there will be the need for temporary traffic signals but this will be kept to a minimum, and when possible will only operate during off-peak times.
Upon completion of the Avon Mill Roundabout, strengthening and widening of the existing carriageway up to Newbold Road Roundabout will be carried out. Much of this work will be done under traffic signals and convoy, so certain traffic delays will be inevitable. Again, as much of this operation as possible will be done at off-peak times.
It is hoped that all this work will be completed by the beginning of December to avoid causing disruption to pre-Christmas traffic.
Meanwhile, anyone wanting a behind the scenes glimpse of the new relief road taking shape can book onto minibus tours by contacting Peter Bones of Warwickshire County Council on 01788 513125. They generally take place on a Tuesday morning and last about 1½ hours. Owing to the limited number of spaces available, a first come first served system is operated.
For further information on the project contact the site office on 01788 513100 or visit the website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/rwrr