PLANS to revamp a vital roundabout between Rugby and Lutterworth are in need of a boost from local businesses in order to get the go-ahead.
Midlands Connect, the Sub-national Transport Body for the region, is trying to build a case for government funds to help improve the Gibbet Hill junction, which links the A5 and A426.
The organisation says the roundabout is at ‘critical mass’ and needs ‘urgent attention’ to prevent increasing congestion.
It is asking businesses to describe the challenges created by the junction on the border between Warwickshire and Leicestershire – which is at 98 per cent capacity every morning – and how improvements would support their operations.
Swati Mittal, the Integrated Transport Programme Lead for Midlands Connect, said: “This is a critical intersection, connecting the A5, M1 and M6 and many local businesses, particularly in logistics and freight. However, the junction suffers from daily congestion, and severe delays are hampering the efficient movement of goods.”
She said the views of businesses would be essential in in strengthening the business case for the upgrades and securing Department for Transport funding.
She added: “We want to hear from businesses and we want to hear your experiences. We want to hear about the impact that local congestion and gridlock on the A5 around Gibbet Hill can cause your firm on a daily basis and limit your opportunities to grow.
“Please do get in touch with us over the next couple of weeks. We need your views to highlight the critical demand to upgrade this vital link to our strategic road network.
“Your experiences and thoughts could make a massive difference, so please take five minutes to get in touch and let us know what the impact is on your business.
“Your voice will help in shaping the future of our region’s transportation network.”
The roundabout has been identified as the third worst bottleneck along the A5 corridor, and is struggling to cope with the 7,000 vehicles which pass through it every day – with the situation expected to deteriorate further as more housing and industrial developments are built.
Email [email protected] to take part in the consultation.
