The North/South Corridor
Introduction
This section of the Local Transport Plan covers the area shown in Figure 3.2. The
Figure 2 North-South Corridor Travel Area
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The corridor is both densely populated and highly developed, and includes a number of key travel destinations including Coventry city centre, Warwick University, Coventry Airport and three large hospitals at Walsgrave, Warwick and George Eliot (Nuneaton). The corridor also includes the Coventry to Nuneaton Regeneration Zone, the Coventry/Solihull/Warwick High Technology triangle, and a number of significant proposed or potential development/regeneration sites.
The North/South Corridor performs an important role within the national and sub-regional road and rail network, providing a number of links between places within and outside the County. The corridor is truly ‘multi-modal’ in its nature, as it includes a comprehensive network of local and strategic bus, rail and road links.
The Coventry to Nuneaton Regeneration Zone covers north Coventry, Nuneaton and Bedworth. This is an area that has traditionally been associated with a number of industries such as engineering, manufacturing and mining. Over the last 20 years these sectors have experienced economic decline, which in turn has had a profound effect on local communities. Conversely, over the same timescale the areas to the south of Coventry have successfully attracted modern industries such as IT and as such, their economic base continues to grow. Such is the prosperity of the south of the County, that the number of jobs within the area exceeds the total working population.
The contrast in economic activity and prosperity between the northern and southern sections of the corridor have resulted in a number of inequalities including social exclusion, and pressure on the transport system as commuters travel between the north and south.
It is predicted that travel patterns and demands in the corridor will continue to increase, particularly with the pressures from further development within both Warwickshire and Coventry. There are also strong links between the corridor and other towns and cities in the West Midlands including Birmingham and Solihull, and from the northern part of the corridor towards Hinckley and Leicester.
In developing the proposals for the North/South Corridor, the County Council has worked in close partnership with Coventry City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Centro (the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive) and Leicestershire County Council in order to be consistent with their LTP proposals.
The Shared Priorities in the North/South Corridor
A presumption to improve road safety underlies all relevant local priorities, schemes and initiatives. Similarly, there is a fundamental intention to improve air quality in the declared AQMAs and prevent further deterioration across the area. However, the key priority in the North/South Corridor is to secure the long term regeneration and economic stability and prosperity of the Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Sub-Region through a number of measures to tackle congestion and improve accessibility. The most important transport initiative in the corridor is the implementation of a step-change in public transport provision to offer a viable alternative to the car and address forecast congestion on the local road network.
The Overall Context
A discussion of the overall context of the North/South Corridor can be found in the urban area chapters covering Nuneaton/Bedworth and Warwick/Leamington Spa/Kenilworth/Whitnash respectively.
An important role of the North/South Corridor is to link places of need to areas of opportunity. This is particularly important in this corridor, as generally the less well off areas are in the northern part of the County and the more prosperous areas are in the south. This means there are strong social and economic reasons for strengthening the links within, and permeability through the corridor. As the corridor carries most of the flows of goods and people in and around the County, it is important that future development pressures do not significantly reduce the capacity and consequently the ability of the corridor to fulfil its role.
Developments that generate significant transport demands in the corridor will be expected to contribute to transport improvements as appropriate. One approach to improving transport in the corridor and managing the implications of key developments is the commitment towards delivering a step-change in the quality and quantity of public transport. This will assist in addressing the shortfalls in the existing transport network, and in particular the lack of a quality public transport offer between the north and south of the corridor.
Travel Patterns
A discussion of travel patterns within the North/South Corridor can be found in the urban area chapters covering Nuneaton/Bedworth and Warwick/Leamington Spa/Kenilworth/Whitnash respectively.
Transport Problems and Opportunities
A Fairer, More Accessible Transport System
The North/South Corridor exhibits many of the same problems in terms of achieving an accessible, inclusive transport system as the rest of the County. The forecast of a substantial increase in congestion in this corridor, particularly during peak travel periods and in the main urban areas in the south is a problem and needs to be addressed through implementation of the SPARK Major Scheme in Warwick/Leamington Spa. There is also an issue of accessibility, with a lack of convenient, direct through routes for public transport services particularly for inter-urban journeys along the corridor. This is of particular concern for the northern part of the corridor, where there is relatively poor access to certain forms of transport because of lower car ownership. Parts of the rural/hinterland areas of the corridor experience a lack of convenient public transport that constrains peoples’ access to jobs, training, health and leisure facilities.
Full Employment and a Strong Sustainable Economy
Transport has a key role to play in supporting the local, regional and national economy. In areas where needs are greatest, transport can help open up areas for redevelopment and regeneration, and provide the accessibility requirements for those who wish to access training and employment opportunities.
As set out earlier in this part of the LTP, there is a need to provide a better socio-economic balance between the north and south of the County. The main aim of doing this is to reduce unemployment levels by providing access to areas where more opportunities exist. By making the North/South Corridor more permeable, it will allow a greater range of travel choices to be made, particularly in terms of through journeys by public transport.
Future travel demand within the North/South Corridor will be heavily influenced by major development pressures within the corridor, including new residential, employment and leisure facilities in all the main centres and to key trip generators, along with the major regeneration initiatives in the Coventry – Nuneaton Regeneration Zone and the Solihull/Coventry/Warwick High Technology triangle.
One of the key issues within the North/South Corridor is congestion that is presently confined to peak travel periods. Specific problems occur at a number of key junctions in the corridor including:
- A45/A46 interchange at Tollbar End on the Coventry/Warwickshire boundary;
- A46/M40/A429 (M40 Junction 15) at Longbridge, south of Warwick;
- A46/C32 Stoneleigh Road/B4115 Stoneleigh interchange;
- A46/A452 interchange at Thickthorn near Kenilworth
- A46/A4177/A425 Stanks Island, west of Warwick;
- M6/M69/A46 (M6 Junction 2) near Ansty; and
- A444/M6 (M6 Junction 3) south west of Bedworth.
The performance of these junctions has been considered within the Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Transportation and Regeneration Study, and measures to improve their efficiency and reliability have been identified in conjunction with the Highways Agency. A high quality national, regional and local highway network is vital to supporting the economy of the sub-region and the County.
Picture 1 Nuneaton Ring Road
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Reduction of Transport Impact on the Environment
The main transport related impacts on the environment of the North/South Corridor are the effects of congestion on the key inter urban routes and on the roads in the main urban centres (Nuneaton, Bedworth, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Warwick). The effect of through traffic on those town centres also has an adverse impact in terms of congestion, noise and air quality.
The density of the population and the level of activity in the North/South Corridor are set to grow over the next 5-10 years and will create an increasing demand for transport. These demands will ultimately increase car use and congestion unless a good quality public transport network is available. A key shortcoming of the current network is the lack of a through public transport service between the north and the south without the requirement to change in Coventry. Provision of such a service would enable a free-flow between where people live and the opportunities for work and leisure, without a resultant detrimental impact on congestion.
Improving the Safety and Security of People when they are using the Transport System
Continued safety improvements form an important part of the North/South Corridor strategy. This includes addressing incidences of road casualties that are anticipated as a consequence of the increased levels of activity and travel demand in the North/South Corridor. Details of road casualty trends within the North/South Corridor are set out within the Nuneaton/Bedworth and Warwick/Leamington Spa/Kenilworth/Whitnash urban area chapters respectively.
Fear of crime can often deter people using public transport, walking or cycling particularly during the evening and at night. The Strategy will address issues of crime and safety on the transport system by initiatives including:
- CCTV on board public transport vehicles (bus and rail);
- Improving safety at public transport waiting and interchange facilities;
- Improving cycling facilities including lit routes and safer cycle parking at public transport interchanges; and
- Providing safer walking routes to public transport waiting facilities.
Integration of Transport
Opportunities for the physical integration of transport within and between modes are most prevalent within the urban areas at the following locations:
- Nuneaton Bus Station;
- Mill Street in Bedworth;
- Kenilworth Clock;
- Leamington Spa Parade and Parish Church;
- Warwick Market Street; and
- Nuneaton, Bedworth, Leamington Spa, Warwick and Warwick Parkway rail stations.
Key interchange points within Coventry include Pool Meadow Bus Station, the railway station, Walsgrave Hospital, the Arena, and the two bus-based Park and Ride sites to the north and south of the city centre.
The County Council works closely with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Warwick District Council and Coventry City Council to integrate with their policies and plans, particularly in terms of land use and transportation planning. Examples include the preparation of master plan proposals for Nuneaton, Bedworth, Kenilworth and Warwick University, and multi-organisation input to the Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Transportation and Regeneration Study.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the main transport problems in the North/South Corridor are
- The need to improve the availability and quality of public transport within the corridor, particularly in terms of allowing through journeys to be made;
- The effect of congestion on the highway network during the peak period at a number of key junctions on the motorway and trunk road network;
- The anticipation of more general congestion in the future due to traffic growth;
- The effect of major new residential, employment and leisure development pressure in all the main centres in the corridor and their associated transport impacts;
- The changes in work and travel patterns including the lengthening of the peak hours period;
- The environmental effect of more vehicles on residential areas caused by lack of enforcement of parking measures in the main centres;
- The need to maximise opportunities afforded by the key interchange points within the corridor; and
- The number of casualties resulting from road traffic accidents within the corridor.
The Strategy
General
The countywide strategy set out in Part 2 of this LTP will be implemented in the corridor by:
- Improving facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, particularly within the main urban areas of the corridor;
- Implementing a step-change in the quality of public transport between the north and south of the corridor to provide a high quality through service;
- Promoting better public transport services (bus, rail, community transport and taxis/private hire vehicles), particularly to act as feeder services to the key strategic public transport improvements in the corridor;
- Managing and controlling land use development and particularly the impacts of major new development or regeneration within the corridor;
- Improving the integration of transport and land use planning to enable sustainable development within the corridor area, by reducing the need to travel and steering new development to accessible locations;
- Promoting alternatives to car use and road safety;
- Addressing the need for casualty reduction measures in key corridors and at specific locations where known problems exist;
- A programme of maintenance of the highway network, including bridges;
- A programme of traffic management and highway improvements particularly in the centres of Nuneaton, Bedworth, Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Warwick; and
- Identifying the medium/long-term transport needs of the sub-region (including the North/South Corridor) to assist the regeneration of the Coventry to Nuneaton Regeneration Zone and the Solihull/Coventry/Warwick High Technology triangle.
The remainder of this section sets out the key proposals that are likely to come forward in the North/South Corridor during the lifetime of this LTP. Figure 3.3 shows key sites and strategic proposals.
Figure 3 Key Sites and Strategic Proposals within Warwickshire in the North/South Corridor
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Transport and Development/Regeneration
Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Transportation and Regeneration Study
The Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Partnership (CSWP) commissioned the Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Transportation and Regeneration Study in 2004. The Partnership is made up the local Chamber of Commerce, Warwick University, Coventry University, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, the health sector, business and communities, Advantage West Midlands and the Learning and Skills Council. The Partnership includes a Transport Forum, and provides support to both the Coventry – Nuneaton Regeneration Zone and the Solihull/Coventry/Warwick High Technology triangle.
The study steering group was made up of the following organisations:
- Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Partnership;
- Warwickshire County Council;
- Coventry City Council;
- Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council;
- West Midlands Regional Assembly;
- Advantage West Midlands;
- Government Office for the West Midlands;
- Highways Agency; and
- Centro.
The main study was commissioned following the preparation of a Scoping Report, and was intended to provide:
- An understanding of the committed economic development within the sub-region and the associated impacts on transport infrastructure;
- Identification of the current economic, social, transport and environmental problems within the sub-region;
- An assessment of the options for improving current and future travel conditions;
- A strategic level appraisal of the selected preferred measures identified in the study;
- Identification of a preferred transport strategy which best meets the needs of the sub-region to 2021; and
- A significant background and context for the preparation of the 2006 Local Transport Plan submissions for Warwickshire and the West Midlands, and any future review of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy, including the Regional Transport Strategy.
Underlying the study were the concepts of economic and environmental sustainability, against which a fundamental part of the option assessment was undertaken.
The study was undertaken against an established policy context at a national, regional, sub-regional and local level, including the Transport White Paper, the Highways Agency Targeted Programme of Improvements, the Strategic Rail Authority's Route Utilisation Strategy and Regional Planning Assessment, and District/Borough Local Plan proposals.
A Wider Reference Group of 185 organisations was established as part of the study process. The group met a number of times during the study to debate and inform the development of the preferred set of transport measures for the sub-region.
A key element of the study was the use of the West Midlands Strategic Transport Model PRISM (Policy Responsive Integrated Strategy Model). The model was expanded beyond the boundary of the West Midlands conurbation to cover Nuneaton, Bedworth and Kenilworth, and key transport corridors from the study area towards Warwick, Leamington Spa and Rugby.
In order to incorporate the findings of the study into the wider transport proposals of the Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire area, work began in January 2006 to prepare a Sub-Regional Transport Strategy. This will be written so as to be compatible with the Regional Spatial Strategy and the Regional Transport Strategy. It will also reflect the regional prioritisation process for Major Schemes, which has been undertaken in the West Midlands over the last 6-9 months.
Major Development Sites
The Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Transportation and Regeneration Study has considered the transport needs and requirements of a number of key development/regeneration sites within the sub-region. The relevant sites within or near to Warwickshire are as follows:
- Camp Hill in Nuneaton;
- Bermuda/Griff;
- George Eliot Hospital;
- Keresley (Prologis Park);
- Coventry Arena;
- Walsgrave Hospital;
- Ansty;
- National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh;
- Coventry Airport at Baginton;
- Warwick University; and
- Peugeot near Ryton.
These sites are discussed individually in the following paragraphs, along with the measures that are required to improve their accessibility and mitigate their impact on the transport network.
The residential area of Camp Hill in the north west of Nuneaton has benefited from a substantial regeneration over the last five years. While some improvements have been made to improve the accessibility of the area to other parts of the Borough, there is a need for this area of the North/South Corridor to have better strategic public transport links to Coventry, Warwick University, Leamington Spa and Warwick. The North/South Public Transport Options Study has looked at the access needs of this area, and has considered the feasibility of extending the Bus Rapid Transit network to Camp Hill as a short loop around the residential area.
The Nuneaton and Bedworth Local Plan has identified a number of sites around Bermuda and Griff to the south of Nuneaton for further employment provision. Transport measures to support this development are as follows:
- The provision of a dedicated stop on the Bus Rapid Transit route between Coventry and Nuneaton;
- Provision of a new station at Bermuda/Griff on the Coventry – Nuneaton railway line; and
- Provision of a dedicated cycle link between Bermuda/Griff and Nuneaton town centre, subject to signalisation of the A444/B4113 Griff Roundabout.
A new bus interchange at George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton has recently been opened, which was partly funded by the County Council. This has improved bus interchange and passenger waiting facilities at this important location. Further transport measures to support access to the hospital include:
- The provision of a dedicated stop on the Bus Rapid Transit route between Coventry and Nuneaton; and
- Provision of a dedicated cycle link between the hospital and Nuneaton town centre.
Towards the northern edge of Coventry and extending into Warwickshire, the former Coventry Colliery has been redeveloped as a major business park/distribution centre. The site, which is managed by Prologis, is served by the A444 and a single track freight rail line. A number of Section 106 agreements have been signed which provide for significant bus improvements to the site in conjunction with a number of employment related travel plans. Coventry City Council has considered an extension of the Bus Rapid Transit proposals to Prologis Park, but the route has not been identified as a priority within the early stages of the network development.
A 32,000 capacity football and events stadium has been constructed north of Coventry city centre. The site of the stadium lies adjacent to the A444 and close to the Nuneaton-Coventry railway line, and includes a District Centre comprising retail outlets, leisure facilities and associated car parking (2000 spaces).
Although the development is located within Coventry, substantial transport demand and impacts are likely to be experienced in Warwickshire, particularly on match days and when events are being held at the site.
In order to reduce congestion and increase safety, the transport demand generated by the Arena needs to be addressed through:
- The provision of a dedicated stop on the Bus Rapid Transit route between Coventry and Nuneaton; and
- The provision of a new station on the Coventry – Nuneaton rail line.
Walsgrave Hospital is located on the eastern edge of the city of Coventry and is a new ‘Super-Hospital’ funded under the private finance initiative (PFI) scheme. The existing hospital site has been expanded to incorporate a number of NHS uses from other sites including the Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital. The hospital will serve a large part of the Coventry and Warwickshire sub-region, and is due to be fully open in Autumn 2006.
The key improvements that are required to address the issues raised by this development are:
- An enhancement in the frequency of the key bus services serving Walsgrave Hospital;
- Extension of the Bus Rapid Transit network within Coventry to serve Walsgrave Hospital and the major employment site at Ansty in Warwickshire; and
- Improvements to the existing highway access to the hospital from the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass.
The site at Ansty is located immediately to the south east of the A46/M6/M69 junction, and comprises of 50 hectares of land that is currently allocated as a Major Investment Site (MIS) in both the Warwickshire Structure Plan and the Rugby Borough Local Plan. There is currently no firm commitment for a single end-user for the site.
The key improvements that are required to address the issues raised by this development if it were to come forward in the future are as follows:
- Extension of the Bus Rapid Transit network within Coventry to serve Walsgrave Hospital and the major employment site at Ansty in Warwickshire;
- Provision of a dedicated access from the site onto the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass;
- Improvements to local bus services from within Warwickshire;
- Provision of walking and cycling facilities to/from the site; and
- Preparation and implementation of a Green Travel Plan.
The National Agricultural Centre (NAC) at Stoneleigh is home to the National Farmers Union (NFU) national headquarters, and currently hosts the Royal Show and the Town and Country Show. The Royal Agricultural Society of England is proposing to develop and refurbish Stoneleigh Park providing exhibition, hotel, conference facilities, showground facilities, a business innovation park, a visitor centre, leisure and ancillary retail and catering facilities, a national equine centre and livestock facilities. The proposed development of the site will be likely to have a substantial impact on the local and trunk road network, which will need to be mitigated by the following improvements:
- Improvements to the A46 Stoneleigh Interchange;
- Provision of a route from the A46 to a new main entrance on the west side of the NAC;
- Signalisation of the A46/A452 Thickthorn Roundabout;
- Improvements to the junction of the A429 Kenilworth Road/Stoneleigh Road/Gibbet Hill Road and other local road improvements; and
- Improvements to public transport services and infrastructure, including consideration of a new express bus service from Leamington Spa to Coventry via the NAC (subject to its impact on existing commercial services in the Leamington Spa to Coventry corridor).
The operators of Coventry Airport at Baginton in Warwickshire have recently proposed significant improvement and expansion of their facility. These are subject to a Public Inquiry, currently in progress at the time the LTP is due for submission. The County Council submitted to the Local Planning Authority, Warwick District Council, that the proposals should not be approved until the District Council is satisfied that:
- The proposal would be compatible with the Government’s new national air transport policy;
- Assessments of noise impacts on the local community are adequate and demonstrate that those impacts identified would be acceptable; and
- The Highways Agency has confirmed the acceptability of the proposal in relation to surface access onto the A45 and the impact on the A45/A46 Tollbar End junction.
Should the Airport be given permission to expand its service portfolio, the following improvements are likely to be implemented/developed in conjunction with Coventry City Council and the Highways Agency:
- Preparation of an Airport Surface Access Strategy;
- Improvements to the A45/A46 Tollbar End roundabout;
- Improvements to public transport accessibility, both to/from Coventry and Warwickshire; and
- Improvements to walking and cycling facilities.
Warwick University is currently developing a master plan for a significant expansion of their facilities over the next 10-15 year. The County Council, along with Coventry City Council and the Highways Agency is in discussion with the University to identify the long term access requirements of the facility. Specific problems that are being discussed include the following:
- The impact of the proposed expansion of the University on the A46 Stoneleigh Interchange, albeit with the provision of an upgraded junction at this location as part of the expansion of the National Agricultural Centre;
- The impact of increased traffic flows at the Stoneleigh Road/Dalehouse Lane roundabout;
- The impact of increased traffic on Stoneleigh Road, and at the junction of the A429 Kenilworth Road with Stoneleigh Road and Gibbet Hill Road (located within Coventry City);
- In light of the above issues, the need for either an upgrade of Stoneleigh Road and the junction at Gibbet Hill, or the provision of new highway infrastructure to improve access to the University from the A46;
- The need for robust parking management;
- The need for improved public transport provision to the University, particularly from Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Coventry city centre;
- The need for improved pedestrian and cycle facilities; and
- Other measures such as the need for a revision to the established University Travel Plan.
Given the location of the University on the Warwickshire/Coventry boundary and the likely impact of the proposed expansion on access from the A46, the County Council recognises the need to work in partnership with Coventry City Council and the Highways Agency to identify a coherent and sustainable transport strategy to support the expansion of the University.
The Peugeot car plant is located to the south east of Coventry on the outskirts of the village of Ryton-on-Dunsmore. It is a major employer within the Coventry/Warwickshire sub-region. The plant is accessed from the A423 and the A45, and is located close to the A45/A46 Tollbar End Junction.
Any future expansion or redevelopment of this site should be supported by the following improvements:
- Improvements to the A45/A46 Tollbar End roundabout;
- Improvements to the public transport accessibility of the site, both to/from Coventry and Warwickshire;
- Development and implementation of a Green Travel Plan; and
- Improvements to walking and cycling facilities.
Air Quality
Air quality issues within the main urban areas of the corridor are covered in the Air Quality Strategy and the Nuneaton and Bedworth and Warwick/Leamington Spa/Kenilworth/Whitnash urban area chapters respectively.
A 'Step Change' in Public Transport
The need for a 'step-change' in the quality and quantity of public transport in the North/South Corridor is a priority for the sub-region. The County Council, in partnership with Coventry City Council, and Centro (the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive) have investigated a number of options to develop and eventually deliver a step-change. The options are based on integrated planning and co-ordination of all public transport modes, and have included the investigation of a combination of bus, guided bus, heavy rail, light rail and other innovative public transport systems.
A number of technical studies and appraisals have been undertaken to consider the viability and deliverability of various options to deliver a step-change. These include:
- North/South Corridor Public Transport Options study;
- Coventry/Solihhull/Warwickshire Sub-Regional Transportation and Regeneration study;
- Coventry City Council Major Scheme bid for bus rapid transit (BRT);
- Warwickshire County Council studies on Kenilworth Station;
- Warwickshire County Council New Stations in Warwickshire study; and
- Studies on the potential for Light Rapid Transit (LRT) in the corridor, one of which has still to formally report.
The studies have all concluded that a public transport vision for the longer term should aim to:
- Support the regeneration of the North/South Corridor, by providing efficient links between areas of social deprivation and employment and education opportunities, health and leisure facilities and retail facilities;
- Meet the accessibility standards and aspirations of the region and sub-region;
- Provide links from the sub-region to the 'rest of the world', which is essential to its ongoing economic sustainability by attracting new investment and employees;
- Comprise a hierarchy of modes suited to the particular journeys being made within, to and from the corridor, with provision made for journeys over the entire length of the corridor;
- Provide high quality, convenient and reliable access to existing and proposed residential, employment, retail and leisure facilities in all the main centres in the corridor, including major regeneration initiatives in the Coventry to Nuneaton Regeneration Zone, the Coventry Arena complex, the expansion of Walsgrave Hospital, development at Coventry Airport and the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh, and the master plan proposals for Nuneaton, Bedworth and the University of Warwick;
- Meet the changing travel needs arising from the increasingly 24 Hour / 7 Day lifestyle, not only for people enjoying the extended facilities but also for those employed in providing them; and
- Encourage use of public transport as a viable sustainable alternative to the private car for journeys within, to and from the North-South Corridor.
The detailed study of the short, medium and long-term public transport options for the corridor has recommended the provision of a bus rapid transit system from Warwick University to Nuneaton via Coventry before 2011, further enhancements to the existing bus network, and the provision of new rail stations at Kenilworth and Coventry Arena, served by trains on the Leamington – Coventry – Nuneaton route. Extension of the bus rapid transit system to Kenilworth or Stoneleigh and Leamington Spa is recommended in the medium term, along with new rail stations at Hawkesbury and Bermuda. In the longer term, the provision of a through rail service to the East Midlands and Oxford is recommended.
Table 3.1 outlines the recommendations of the study for the short, medium and long term to deliver a step-change in public transport along the corridor. The County Council and its partners will review these actions once the findings of the LRT study are reported.
|
Actions Required to Deliver a Step-Change in Public Transport Provision in the North/South Corridor |
||||
|
|
Heavy Rail |
Light Rapid Transit |
Bus Rapid Transit |
Enhanced Bus |
|
Up to 2007 |
Seek funding for Coventry – Nuneaton 2tph Seek funding for Kenilworth Station and take opportunity to influence Coventry re-signalling scheme |
No action proposed |
Seek funding for core section and Warwickshire extension from Coventry Boundary to Nuneaton Seek funding for extension to Kenilworth or Stoneleigh (subject to resolution of land use issues) if a business case can be established |
Continue investment in “showcase” routes. Seek funding for Real Time Information System in conjunction with BRT |
|
2007-2011 |
Implement Coventry – Nuneaton 2tph (and Arena Station in partnership with Coventry City Council) Implement Kenilworth Station Seek funding for extending Nuneaton – Coventry service to Leamington at 2tph Seek funding for Marylebone – Coventry – Nuneaton service and additional rolling stock to operate this Do not pursue Galley Common Station if BRT is preferred unless a case for a Galley Common – Birmingham service can be made. Examine the business case for Bermuda Station in the light of increased development |
No action proposed |
Implement core section Implement Kenilworth extension Seek funding for extension north to Galley Common if rail station not viable Seek funding for extension to Leamington Spa |
Finalise Enhanced Bus improvements |
|
2011-2016 |
Implement Chiltern Marylebone – Nuneaton service Implement Nuneaton – Coventry – Leamington at 2tph Seek funding for East Midlands – Oxford service and dive under at Nuneaton |
No action proposed |
Implement Galley Common extension Implement Leamington extension |
No action proposed |
|
2016-2021 |
Implement East Midlands – Oxford service and dive under at Nuneaton |
No action proposed |
No action proposed |
No action proposed |
In light of the studies described above, the following applications for Major Scheme funding in the next 5-10 years may be made for the following transport improvements:
- Extension of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from the Coventry City boundary to Nuneaton (via Bedworth) and from Warwick University to Kenilworth;
- A comprehensive Real Time Information and traffic light priority control system for BRT and local bus services;
- Rail improvements to the existing shuttle service between Coventry and Nuneaton to allow 2 trains per hour to be operated;
- Further BRT enhancements, including a possible extension to Leamington Spa; and
- Provision of a new station at Kenilworth, including rolling stock and infrastructure enhancements to allow through train services between Leamington Spa and Nuneaton via Coventry to operate, with some journeys continuing to London. In addition, new rail stations at Hawkesbury and Bermuda may also form part of this bid.
Improvements for Cycling
The Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 52 covers the entire length of the North/South Corridor from Warwick - Kenilworth - Coventry - Bedworth - Nuneaton. Many sections of the route have already been implemented, and the County Council is working in partnership with Sustrans to complete it in full. This would provide a number of valuable inter-urban links within this corridor as well as forming part of the town cycle route networks. Much of the National Cycle Network utilises traffic-free routes or roads with low traffic volumes, in order to encourage more people of all ages and abilities to cycle, both for leisure and utility journeys.
Freight
The vast majority of freight movements in the North/South Corridor are made by road. A large amount of both short and long distance road based freight haulage is through movements that have no link to Warwickshire. This is primarily due to the number of motorway and trunk roads that traverse the County, including the M6, M40, M69, A5 and A46. In line with the County Council’s Sustainable Freight Distribution Strategy and the Warwickshire Freight Quality Partnership, a Lorry Map has been prepared showing the preferred lorry routes to industrial estates and key freight destinations within Warwickshire. These routes are designed to reduce the environmental impact of lorries driving through the area, including a number of key towns and villages. The County Council supports the proposal to develop a Regional Lorry Map for the whole of the West Midlands.
The main generator of rail freight in the North/South Corridor area is the Murco oil terminal which is located on the Nuneaton - Coventry line at Bedworth. Potential new freight growth within the strategy area lies with the new freight generators at Prologis Park near Keresley.
Motorways and Trunk Roads
The County Council support the Highways Agency’s A46/M5/M50 Route Management Strategy, and the intention to fully resolve the problems at the M40/A46 junction at Longbridge.
The M1 to Birmingham Route Management Strategy (RMS) covered five key routes, including the A45 between the M45 and the A46 at Stivichall, and the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass between the A45/A46 at Tollbar End and the M6 at Junction 2. The draft RMS was produced by the Highways Agency in 2002, and the final version has now been published.
The RMS proposed a significant improvement to the A45/A46 junction at Tollbar End, which is now being pursued by the Highways Agency with a view to implementation by 2010/11 (see below). Completion of these works along with the improvement at M40 Junction 15 (Longbridge) will leave most of the junctions on the A46 between the M69 and Stratford-upon-Avon free flowing. The exceptions to this are the two junctions on the A46 Coventry Eastern Bypass, these being the A46/A428 TGI Friday junction near Binley Woods, and the A45/A46 interchange at Stivichall. The latter junction has recently been improved by the Highways Agency, and now includes a segregated slip lane from the A45 west to the A46 south. Grade separation of the A46/A428 roundabout has been considered as part of the Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Transportation and Regeneration Study, although its technical feasibility is still to be established by the Highways Agency.
The Highways Agency has recently commissioned consultants to undertake a pre-TPI study of the M6 from Junction 4 to Junction 19 of the M1, and the A46 from the M69 to the A45 at Tollbar End. The study will examine a number of issues, including the possibility of localised widening and use of Active Traffic Management on the M6, and junction capacity issues on both routes. This will include consideration of M6 Junction 1, A46/A428 TGI Friday junction, and the committed improvements at M1 Junction 19.
A45/A46 Roundabout –
Tollbar End is an important junction that links the A45 with the A46, a number of local roads, the industrial estates off Rowley Road and Siskin Drive, and access to Coventry Airport.
The roundabout at Tollbar is currently traffic signal controlled (except from the B4110 and Rowley Road accesses) and suffers from congestion particularly at peak times. This is likely to increase in view of local developments and traffic growth on the trunk road network.
The Highways Agency has responsibility for the A45/A46 Tollbar End junction, and is currently in the process of preparing a major improvement scheme for the roundabout. This is likely to include a grade separation of the A45/A46, which will significantly relieve congestion at the junction. Also included in the scheme package are proposals to improve the A46/A45 Stivichall interchange, located approximately 2km to the west of Tollbar End. The scheme is due to be delivered by the Highways Agency towards the end of the LTP period.
A46/M40/A429 (M40 Junction 15) –
Longbridge is a strategic junction on the M40 where it meets the A46 and the A429 south of Warwick. It is currently subject to significant congestion at peak periods and, along with Tollbar End, has been included in a package of trunk roads improvements to carried out within this LTP period. The current congestion levels are thought to discourage traffic from using the trunk road network and encourage the use of inappropriate routes to avoid the congestion when attempting to access the M40 corridor. These appear to include Warwick town centre, the A4189 and the A4177. A recent interim junction improvement has been delivered to provide additional circulatory carriageway width, and revised signal timings. Future improvements are likely to include full segregation of the A46 from the M40 by bypassing A46 traffic to the west of the existing junction. The County Council support the need for a major improvement to the junction and will work with the Highways Agency to seek an acceptable improvement scheme which meets local needs.
A46/C32 Stoneleigh Road/B4115
The A46 Stoneleigh Interchange is located between Kenilworth and Coventry and provides the principal access from the trunk road network to Warwick University and the National Agricultural Centre (NAC) at Stoneleigh. The interchange is currently a single overbridge with northern and southern access slip roads leading to simple priority junctions. The interchange is currently subject to congestion, which can cause traffic to queue back on to the main carriageway of the A46.
As part of the expansion of the NAC, S106 funding will be provided to improve the interchange. The impact of the proposed expansion of Warwick University on the interchange will also be considered in conjunction with the Highways Agency.
A46/A452 Roundabout – Thickthorn, Kenilworth
The A46/A452 roundabout at Thickthorn lies just to the south east of Kenilworth, and provides the principal access from the A46 to Kenilworth and Leamington Spa. It also provides a secondary access from the A46 to the National Agricultural Centre (NAC) via the B4115.
As part of the expansion of the NAC the roundabout will be signalised to increase capacity throughout the day.
A46/A4177/A425
The A46/A425/A4177 Stanks roundabout is located to the west of Warwick, and provides access from the A46 to Warwick town centre via the A425, Warwick Parkway via the A4177 and Old Budbrooke Road, and Hatton/Solihull via the B4177. The roundabout can be subject to congestion at peak periods, leading to traffic queuing onto the main carriageway of the A46. However, it is unclear what effect the performance of the nearby Longbridge M40 junction 15 has on the junction, as problems at this junction can encourage traffic to re-route via Stanks. A further contributory factor appears to be the close proximity of the main entrance to the IBM site to the junction.
The Highways Agency’s A46 Route Management Strategy has acknowledged that a study of the issues affecting the junction should be undertaken, with a view to upgrading it in due course. The County Council will continue to work in partnership with the HA to develop proposals to enable the junction to offer better access for all modes, relieve congestion, and maintain good access to Warwick and Warwick Parkway station.
M6 Junctions 2 - 3
The section of the M6 north of Coventry between the M69/A46 junction near Ansty (Junction 2) and the A444 junction near Bedworth (Junction 3) experiences heavy congestion throughout the day, and particularly during peak periods. The Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Transportation and Regeneration Study recommended that this section of the M6 be upgraded to four lanes in each direction. It is envisaged that much of this capacity enhancement can be achieved through implementation of Active Traffic Management measures, although some localised widening to accommodate the necessary refuges may be required. This may prove particularly challenging where the motorway is elevated, albeit on an embankment.
Junctions 2 and 3 themselves also experience related congestion throughout the day. The Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Transportation and Regeneration Study recommended that both these junctions be upgraded as part of the above scheme. This would benefit access into north Coventry and onto the A444 towards Bedworth and Nuneaton.