Green light for key Midlands road scheme

How the new junction will look when completed

The government has approved development of an upgrade project for the A46 Walsgrave junction, part of the trans-Midlands trade corridor between the M5 and Humber Ports.

The £112 million roads scheme, which it is hoped will boost the economy and tackle congestion in the region, was signed off by the transport minister Lord Hendy last week.

The Walsgrave junction connects the A46 to the B4082, and is a three-arm priority roundabout at present, which causes significant congestion. Under the new scheme, the junction will allow for a free-flowing A46 carriageway, as well as enabling drivers to enter and exit the local road network.

A six-week window is now open for parties to lodge any intention to legally challenge the decision. Construction is expected to commence this autumn, and the upgraded junction is set to open to traffic in 2028.

“Motorways and major A roads play a key role in keeping the UK economy moving, carrying a third of all traffic and two thirds of freight,” said Emma Winter, project manager at National Highways.

“The A46 is a major trade corridor between the South West, the Midlands and the North, which is why we need to remove this bottleneck on the outskirts of Coventry.

“The new-look Walsgrave junction will reduce delays by delivering much-needed additional capacity, better connectivity and safer journeys for the 57,000 drivers using the road every day.”

James Barwise, policy lead at the Road Haulage Association (RHA), said: “We welcome the decision to give consent for the A46 Walsgrave Junction upgrade. The A46 is a vital strategic road for hauliers, coaches and vans, connecting businesses and ports either side of the country.

“Schemes such as this and the emerging A46 Newark Bypass are critical to ensuring that this route supports the frictionless movement of goods and unlocks economic growth for businesses across the Midlands.”