CONTENTIOUS works on a major road into Stratford will be suspended over the Easter weekend.
In anticipation of an influx of visitors, Warwickshire County Council along with contractor Balfour Beatty have agreed to temporarily suspend the current one-way system along the A439 Warwick Road from Friday (March 29) until late evening of Monday April 1.
The one way system will be reinstated ready for Tuesday April 2. Ingon Lane junction, where the latest phase of roadworks are being carried out, will remain closed over Easter however.
Additional signage will be introduced at various points along the route for safety reasons to warn motorists of various risks such as narrow lanes, removal of road studs and no overtaking.
WCC is also putting similar plans in place to suspend the one-way system for Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration weekend on April 20 and April 21 – but there are no further plans to re-open or suspend the traffic management thereafter until completion of the overall safety scheme.
The road safety scheme, proving hugely unpopular with residents due to traffic disruption, began in February and is expected to take five months to complete.
It will include a reduction in the speed limit, a protected turning lane at the Ingon Lane junction, which has experienced a high number of collisions, streetlighting to improve visibility of crossing pedestrians at fisherman’s car park, parking restrictions to prevent dangerous parking along the route, an off-road cycle lane, footway provisions which will better connect pedestrians to the town centre, as well as pedestrian crossing points.
WCC reported the works continued to progress well.
WCC’s transport spokesperson Coun Jan Matecki said: “Further and significant progress has been made on the A439 improvement scheme over the past two weeks. These works will not only enhance safety but also address long-standing drainage issues in the area. We appreciate the continued patience of the local community and remain committed to minimizing disruption throughout the project.”
Coun Tim Sinclair, local member for Stratford North, added: “I hope that these regular updates go some way to reassuring our residents in Stratford that good progress is being made with these important safety works. This project addresses the high accident rate on this road as well as issues of dangerous parking and speeding. The improved cycling and walking facilities are also welcome additions to this part of town.”
