Project to replace accident blackspot roundabout given extra funding - The Rugby Observer

Project to replace accident blackspot roundabout given extra funding

Rugby Editorial 10th Feb, 2021   0

A PROJECT to improve an accident blackspot in Rugby which has one of the worst records for collisions in Warwickshire has been given the green light after new funding was approved by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) – almost doubling the cost since it was first announced nearly three years ago.

WCC’s cabinet has awarded £800,000 from its Capital Investment Programme to a scheme to replace the mini-roundabout linking Lawford Road and Addison Road – where there have been 13 incidents with 16 casualties between January 2015 and October 2020, mostly due to vehicles failing to give way.

But the total cost of the project has risen from £847,000 to £1.64million since it was first announced in 2018.

A council spokesperson said: “The scheme requires additional funding, mainly due to additional utility apparatus identified during preliminary design which requires diverting for the roundabout construction.




“This scheme will dramatically lower the risk of being in a collision along the A428.”

The existing mini-roundabout will be replaced with a compact roundabout. Dedicated westbound left-turn lanes will be removed, and cycleways will be introduced to keep cyclists away from the road around the junction. A new signalised toucan crossing will also be added to Lawford Road.


The new funding comes on top of £783,000 allocated by WCC in 2018, and £64,000 from the delegated budgets of local county councillors Maggie O’Rourke and Peter Butlin.

Coun O’Rourke, who represents New Bilton and Overslade Ward, said: “I’ve been campaigning for improvements at this junction since I was first elected. The issue is regularly raised by residents who, I am certain, will welcome the approval of this scheme.”

WCC deputy leader Coun Butlin, who represents Admirals and Cawston Ward, added: “Casualty Reduction Schemes such as this are a key element of Warwickshire County Council’s commitment to keep all our residents safe from harm while ensuring our communities are supported by excellent transport infrastructure.

“I have welcomed the opportunity to pool my delegated councillor budget with Coun O’Rouke in order to fund this necessary scheme.”

Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/trafficcalming for more information about casualty reduction schemes in Warwickshire.

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