THOUSANDS of city centre drivers could be affected by essential road repair works over the next 18-months – that is the fear following permission to upgrade the ring road’s infrastructure being granted.
Plans to work on Phase One of the project come after a cabinet report identified that further deterioration of the ring road could result in lane closures or weight restrictions between junctions one and four
The multi-million pound road improvement scheme will see the area between junction four, London Road, to junction three, Sky Blue Way, repaired.
Known as the Swanswell Viaduct, the 12-month project – which will start in early 2017 – will carry out vital repairs to the section of the road.
More than £6million has been invested to upgrade the road’s parapets, a low protective wall on each side of the ring road, and replace the existing waterproofing, surfacing, movement joints and fascia panels.
Out of the £6.05million required to carry out the repairs, £5.5million has been secured via the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Local Highways Maintenance Challenge Fund.
In addition to the DfT funding, Coventry City Council are required to contribute ten per cent from the Capital Highways Maintenance budget – which adds up to £550,000.
Lane restrictions will be in operation throughout the 12-month project with the possibility of complete closures of the viaduct during off-peak times.
Should the Council secure future funding, a Phase Two element of the road work repairs will immediately follow after the completion of Phase One – it is currently not known how much money is needed for Phase Two work to be secured.
Phase Two will focus on works from junction three, Sky Blue Way, to junction two, White Street.
Work on Phase Two would be expected to start in April 2018 should plans go ahead.
The likelihood of Phase Two going ahead following the completion of Phase One is currently unknown.
A Coventry City Council spokesperson said: “Though a contractor is yet to be appointed, works are due to commence in early 2017 and design works will commence within the next week or two.”
