A CONGESTION-prone major commuter road could be doubled in width if a bid to expand it is successful.
Rugby MP Mark Pawsey urged the Government to approve a plan to convert the A5 to a dual carriageway between junction 18 of the M1, near Crick, and junction 10 of the M42, near Tamworth.
Alongside four other Midlands MPs, Mr Pawsey told a Westminster Hall debate the A5 was struggling to cope, particularly when there are delays or closures on the M1 or M6 – and traffic is expected to increase in the coming years.
Speaking after the debate, he said: “The A5 is a key strategic road and carries increasing volumes of traffic.
“With the developments taking place at Houlton in Rugby and at Magna Park in Leicestershire, both of which will connect directly to the A5, the case for investment is now extremely strong.”
He added there was often more traffic on the A5 than it could currently support.
“In addition, I know residents in Pailton, Monks Kirby, Churchover, Clifton and Newton are reluctant to go on to the A5 because of the large number of HGVs using it as a as a consequence of the industrial development in our area.
“It is vital we ensure the infrastructure is in place to support this development.”
The bid for the A5 to be included in the Government’s Road Investment Strategy 2 is supported by 18 local authorities and endorsed by the Midlands Connect Strategy.
Responding for the Government, Junior Transport Minister Jesse Norman said the strategy aimed to provide a ‘motorway-standard experience’ on the country’s busiest A roads.
He said: “The proposed upgrade to the A5 between the M42 and the M1 near Rugby is entirely appropriate for a regional bid. Highways England is taking careful note of the bid.”
The Department for Transport will publish its response in the spring.
