What is happening?

We are proposing to improve the A45 Stonebridge Highway and the Tollbar End roundabout in southern Coventry. This Improvement is part of a package of works which also includes the M40 Junction 15 Bypass. The main proposals are:

• To reduce the volume of traffic using Tollbar End roundabout by providing a two-lane dual-carriageway underpass link between the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass and the A45 Stonebridge Highway. We would also enlarge the roundabout and improve all the existing accesses.
• The existing A45 Stonebridge Highway would be widened to a three-lane dual-carriageway, between the new Tollbar End junction and Stivichall junction. This would improve capacity and allow traffic to maneuver safely into the required lane on approach to the junctions.
• To improve access to local businesses and Coventry Airport by changing the junction of Siskin Drive and Rowley Road from a roundabout to a traffic light controlled junction.
• Traffic lights would be erected on each entry arm to the new Tollbar End roundabout. The signals would be connected to those at the Siskin Drive / Rowley Road junction and timings would be controlled so that they provide maximum efficiency in allowing traffic through the area.
• New sign gantries would be erected, and we would re-paint the lane markings to improve the northbound A46 approach to Stivichall junction. The existing road signs in this area of the Scheme would also be improved.
• To improve pedestrian access around Tollbar End roundabout and create a new footpath / cycleway along the southern side of the A45, linking the two junctions together.

We have considered several options for new bridges at Tollbar End roundabout. In order to improve the combined footway and cycleway on the south side of the A45 Stonebridge Highway, a new footbridge would be constructed across the River Sowe. Other new structures would include:

• New sign gantries on the existing A46, south of Stivichall junction.
• Soil nailed retaining walls at Tollbar End roundabout.
• Retaining walls to minimise land take.

When and where is this happening?

In the November 2011 Autumn Statement, the Chancellor announced that the A45/A46 Tollbar End Improvement scheme would be prepared for construction by 2015. Following this, the 2012 Budget announcement confirmed the start of construction for this scheme to be in financial year 2013/14. We expect this scheme to commence construction between January and March 2014, subject to the outcome of statutory processes. For more information please visit our Current Delivery Programme page.

We are now working to confirm the specific programme.  The scheme will be re-activated with the next key milestone being the Secretary of States Decision on the Orders, we will seek to undertake this as soon as possible.

Tollbar End roundabout is an important junction on the national road network. It forms part of the Coventry Bypass and is a principal interchange between the A45 and A46 trunk roads. It also provides a secondary link for traffic moving between the West Midlands and the southeast, using the A45 London Road which connects to the A423 Oxford Road and the M45.

Why is this happening and what will it cost?

Tollbar End roundabout is  an important interchange for local traffic, connecting the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass to the local and trunk road network. The junction also provides the main road access to Stonebridge Trading Estate, Middlemarch Business Park and Coventry Airport, which are an important source of employment in southern Coventry.

The high level of traffic using this roundabout causes delays and queues. Future increases in traffic volumes will exacerbate the existing congestion and lead to increased driver stress. Between 2001 and 2005 inclusive, there was a total of 94 reported accidents within 100m of the scheme; five of which were serious.

In 2001, Tollbar End roundabout was improved by introducing traffic lights and changing the road markings. This helped to reduce the number of accidents but this temporary solution is reaching the end of its design life and the roundabout is again not coping with traffic levels.

The estimated cost of this scheme is in the range of £109m and £150m.

How will the scheme be carried out?

The scheme would take approximately 3 1/2 years to build. The main construction compound would be located on land to the immediate west of the Stonebridge Trading Estate, off the Rowley Road. Construction of the scheme would take place over a number of carefully planned phases to minimise the effects of construction on the public and the environment.

In addition, we would implement a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to manage the effects of construction, noise, vibration and dust. The CEMP would also identify the work needed to protect wildlife habitats and prevent pollution to watercourses. We would ensure access to businesses and properties is maintained at all times.

What are the benefits?

We aim to:

• Reduce congestion and improve capacity at Tollbar End roundabout and on the A45 Stonebridge Highway
• Allow traffic to maneuver safely into the required lane on the A45 Stonebridge Highway
• Improve access to local businesses and Coventry Airport
• Improve pedestrian access around Tollbar End roundabout

How do I find out more information ?

More information will be posted on this project page as it becomes available. You can subscribe to be alerted when updates are made.

If you have any queries about this project you should contact the Highways Agency Information Line by emailing ha_​info@​highways.​gsi.​gov.​uk or calling 0300 123 5000.

The landscape surrounding the scheme includes areas of agriculturally improved grassland and arable land, with occasional small woodlands and areas of scrub.

Biodiversity interest is mainly restricted to hedgerows, mature trees, woodlands and the corridors of the Rivers Sowe and Sherbourne.

There are no environmental statutory sites affected by the scheme, however there are local nature reserves bordering the highway.

Preliminary ecological surveys and consultations show some habitats of interest and species near to the proposed road corridor.

Species of interest include:

• Birds
• Reptiles
• Great crested newt
• Badger
• Otter

We would plan and manage the works to reduce or eliminate any adverse impacts on these habitats and species.

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