People back plans for new A46 Walsgrave junction – but no funding confirmed for project yet

Public results have been revealed in plans for a new-look A46 Walsgrave junction. Locals have been asked to have their say on plans for a grade-separated junction, which the National Highways says will alleviate the current ‘bottleneck’ scenario facing drivers and pave the way for an A46 carriageway that flow freely.

It is also said that the new interchange will allow road users to enter and exit the local road network. The plans have been subject to public consultation and now the results have been revealed.

National Highways says that 51% of respondents said they agree with the proposed route and interchange, and 20% are not in favor. The rest did not answer or chose “don’t know”.

READ MORE: Coventry’s only dance club confirms plans to move

He said some people had raised concerns about the safety of the existing junction, particularly if trying to join the A46 from the B4082. The proposals are said to bring traffic onto the road on safer slip roads rather than waiting for a gap in the sometimes fast-moving traffic.

There were also calls for a link road to the hospital to be included in the upgrade. National Highways says a link is part of Coventry City Council’s Local Plan, which has earmarked land for housing and a blue light access from the A46.

But there are no firm or funded plans for this yet. Speaking about the results of the consultation, Emma Winter, National Highways project manager, said: “We are grateful to everyone who took the time to see us or respond to the consultation. It is important to consider the views of local communities. and drivers that will continue to help us shape this significant update.

“The A46 is a key link between the East and West Midlands and connects Coventry and Warwickshire to the motorway network. But congestion at Walsgrave is impacting on journey times, communities and businesses.

“Our planned improvements will alleviate this congestion and provide an economic boost to communities across the region.”

What happens next?

National Highways says the results will be used to help “further shape” the proposals and a consultation report will form part of the Development Consent Order (DCO) application.

This DCO, which seeks consent to undertake a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), must be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. It will then review the application and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will decide whether to grant development consent.

Sign up here for our FREE daily newsletter for all the latest news on Coventry.