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The Project Control Framework

This framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major road improvement projects.

The Preferred Route

The Red Junction and Orange Local Road Network (LRN) gained the most support from the public consultation. It has the lowest environmental impact, requires the least land, provides the greatest traffic benefits and represents good value for money. The estimated cost is in the range of £185m to £273m.

View a plan of the Red Junction and Orange LRN option

Red Junction

The Red Junction would be constructed on three levels and would be similar in height to the existing junction. It would not include a roundabout but would provide the following direct links:

  • A14 to M1 northbound
  • M1 southbound to A14
  • M6 to A14 in both directions
  • M6 to M1 southbound
  • M1 northbound to M6


Movements between the A14 and M1 south of the junction would not be provided. Existing movements between the M6 and the M1 north of the junction would not be allowed.

The Red Junction would remove direct access to the motorway network from the local roads, improving safety and reducing congestion by separating local and long distance traffic. The M1 would remain on its current alignment.

Orange LRN

The Orange LRN would improve travel between the villages by including:

  • A new link between Rugby Road and Shawell Lane north of the M6
  • A local route under the junction between Swinford and Catthorpe, and 
  • Improvements to Shawell Lane between Catthorpe Road and the M6

A minor change has been made to the Orange Local Road Network that was presented during the summer 2008 public consultation. The local road between Catthorpe and Swinford has been realigned up to 130 metres to the west as it passes underneath the M6. This change will have no impact on the scheme in terms of landtake or proximity to properties but does mean that the project can be delivered quicker. The design will be developed further as the scheme progresses.

Rejected Options

The four other improvement options presented at the public consultation have been subsequently rejected.