UPGRADES to a section of the city centre ring road have been given the green light after the project won £5million of government funding.
Work will take place on the raised section of the Swanswell Viaduct, between Junctions 2 and 4 of the ring road, and is expected to be finished by summer 2021.
The works are the second phase of a programme of upgrades to the viaduct, with phase one having already been completed in 2018.
Phase two will include upgrades to the vehicular parapets, replacement of the concrete fascia panels, bridge deck waterproofing, repair of expansion joints, carriageway resurfacing and repairs to the support trestles.
The funding comes from the Department for Transport’s Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund. Coventry City Council submitted a bid to receive funding for the project and the bid was approved by the government earlier this week.
The Council will contribute a further 2.5 per cent from the Capital Highways Maintenance budget.
Council city services spokeswoman Coun Patricia Hetherton said: “The ring road is still in good condition. However, it’s over 40 years old and parts of it, like the Swanswell Viaduct, could do with a bit of attention.
“That’s why I welcome this funding from the government. It means that we can go in and give this section of the road the upgrades it needs to ensure that it’s the best condition it can be.
“Of course, this is a major route around the city centre, and it will have some impact on traffic movement, but we will do everything we can to ensure that any disruption is minimal.”
