A KEY route into Stratford town centre is finally fully reopen after months of roadworks.
Phase two of the Birmingham Road improvement scheme began last autumn and has proved a major headache for motorists trying to get in and out of the town due to traffic management, including lane closures, being in place.
Now the final section of phase two of the scheme, which addressed the northern section – from the A46 roundabout to just north of St Peter’s Way – is complete.
Improvements include a new cycle path and segregated footpath, a pedestrian crossing, better facilities for cyclists at junctions and a two-lane in, one-lane carriageway out of town, swapping the existing arrangements.
But the disruption is not completely over as phase three is due to begin soon.
Warwickshire County Council said it will be shortly advising any affected residents and businesses of the works, which will take place from the Arden Street junction up to the St Peter’s Way junction.
Coun Tim Sinclair, Warwickshire County Councillor for Stratford North said: “I have been in regular contact with residents and businesses regarding this long-awaited scheme since the outset and I’m aware that the roadworks which were put in place at the start of the scheme were a source of real frustration at the time. I completely understood that.
“What I do hope, though, is that it became clear that the county council was listening and sought ways to improve how the programme of works was running. While safety on the roads and footpaths was their primary concern, as it had to be, wherever possible they took quick action to minimise disruption as much as they could. This included lifting traffic management around the Mop fairs and finding funding to secure Saturday working to keep the programme on track.
“It’s vital that we provide high quality transport infrastructure for Stratford, particularly on this busy corridor into town, where improving traffic flow is critical. So, I look forward to the final phase of the works, phase 3, getting underway to complete the overall project as soon as possible. Again, both I and the county council officers will work with the local communities to keep any disruption to a minimum.”
