DELAYS caused by a major bottleneck between Rugby and Lutterworth are costing businesses time and money, a new report says.
Local firms and major employment hubs in the area have outlined ongoing frustration regarding daily congestion at the A5/A426 Gibbet Hill Junction.
The roundabout, which connects the A5, M1 and M6, is used by the area’s many logistics and freight businesses.
In a new report published by Midlands Connect, local businesses and major employment hubs including DIRFT and Magna Park have given overwhelming support for government investment in improvements to the junction, saying it is critical to the future of the ‘Golden Logistics Triangle’.
Companies said regular delays are hampering the efficient movement of goods, while others have suggested it could be damaging the area’s appeal as a hub for business.
The ‘Golden Logistics Triangle’ is one of the UK’s premier logistics hubs, but the report outlines that firms feel its economic growth potential could be stifled without government investment.
The Department for Transport’s spending portfolio is currently under review, and local firms are urging the government to prioritise upgrades to Gibbet Hill.
Rugby MP John Slinger said: “The area around Rugby is home to a wide range of major national and international firms, employing tens of thousands of local people, and playing a major role in our local economy. We must not lose sight that transport accessibility is a critical reason for why these firms choose to locate here.
“This report by Midlands Connect highlights that these firms are facing severe challenges at the Gibbet Hill junction.”
He said investing in the junction would help firms to operate more efficiently, while also easing frustrations for communities.
He added: “The logistics sector has become a vital part of the local economy, helping to coin the area as the ‘Golden Logistics Triangle’. But to maintain this status, it is critical we remain an attractive location by providing an efficient and reliable local transport network.
“For our region to continue to attract investment and benefit from the economic growth potential of the sector, our infrastructure must grow alongside it, starting with unlocking the constraints at Gibbet Hill.”
Swati Mittal, the Integrated Transport Programme Lead for Midlands Connect, added: “We are working to highlight the need for critical upgrades to this important junction in our strategic road network.
“These first-hand experiences of the congestion really demonstrate the need for improvements at Gibbet Hill.”
