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How We Manage Our Roads
In this section you can find out more about how we manage and maintain these roads and plan for the future
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
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Scheme Progress
What has happened so far
In the last three months all of the new structures on the site have been completed, including the new bridge across the M40 and the bridge that will carry the northbound A46 across the southbound A46 at Chasefields. In October, two sections of the new road layout were opened to traffic: the A46 bypass northbound from Stratford up to M40 Junction 15 (Longbridge Island) via the new Sherbourne roundabout and the A46 northbound link road from Longbridge Island towards Coventry. These new sections of road have been opened early to allow other sections of new road layout to be built over the redundant sections. Preliminary works to widen the existing junction 15 roundabout commenced in late August.
Some landscaping works have started, including topsoiling and grass seeding to the completed road verges and embankment slopes. Environmental bunds constructed on the approaches to Sherbourne roundabout to hide the road from Sherbourne and reduce noise were substantially completed before traffic was transferred to this section of new road. The environmental barrier adjacent to the new northbound link road at Chasefields was also completed before traffic used this section. This barrier was identified in the Environmental Statement for the scheme which was published in July 2006 before the housing development was extended further south. We are currently designing an extension to the barrier in consultation with Warwick District Council and the developer; this work will be undertaken in the New Year as soon as the design has been completed and the fencing panels have been manufactured.
The new wetlands areas at the side of the new bypass, which filter out pollutants from the road run off water before it enters the rivers and streams, have been completed and have started to attract wildfowl and herons.
What we are doing next
The new M40 central reserve barrier, bridge protection and drainage will be completed and the carriageways returned to full width lanes, with the 70mph speed limit restored, during the next few weeks. The next section of the new bypass to be opened will be the A46 southbound from Longbridge Island towards Stratford via the new Sherbourne roundabout; this is planned for the first weekend of December. The closed section of the B4463 will also be reopened at this time. The completed bypass will then be fully opened to traffic in mid-December.
With the new bypass taking traffic away from Longbridge Island, our focus will switch to improving the existing roundabout at Junction 15 which is to be widened from three lanes to four. This work will continue until July 2010 when the entire scheme will reach completion. Work will also commence on downgrading the existing A46 southbound carriageway to provide a local service road and access into Sherbourne. There will be no access to the village from the A46 via Vicarage Lane, Watery Lane or the un-named lane whilst these works are completed (until end February 2010).
Work to construct the new bridleway that runs between Sherbourne and the B4463 beneath the new Sherbourne roundabout will continue and farmers' access tracks and footpaths will be completed. The new bridleway route will enable pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders to cross the new A46 bypass safely. From this point, cyclists will be able to take the current route through Sherbourne and over the existing cyclist/pedestrian bridge across the M40. There will be gates on the bridleway for the farmer's use with ungated access alongside for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Landscaping work will continue throughout the winter with extensive planting on the embankment slopes and the environmental bund near Sherbourne, this will provide additional screening once it has become established. Screen fences will be constructed around Sherbourne roundabout to close the gap between the earth bunds on either side and across Sherbourne Brook. The recently constructed fence opposite the Chasefields development will also be extended southwards to provide further screening to the estate.
Traffic Management
M40 Motorway: the narrow lanes will be removed in the next few weeks and the national speed limit restored. There will be occasional night time slip road closures throughout the period which will be advertised in advance.
A46: lane closures and contra flows will continue at night and weekends until early December; thereafter some off-peak and overnight lane closures will be required to complete the remaining works.
There will be no lane closures and no works will be undertaken, except in case of an emergency, over the Christmas period from 23rd December until 4th January 2010.
Safety on Site
During the works on site there have been in excess of 650,000 man hours worked without a reportable accident or incident.
Please note that this information is not updated in real time. Please check Traffic England for the latest information and current traffic conditions.
