2006-2011 Main LTP

Introduction

This section of the Local Transport Plan covers the Eastern Warwickshire area shown in Figure 3.12, which includes the urban area of Rugby and the surrounding rural hinterland. The area covered by this section is similar to the administrative boundary of Rugby Borough, however it excludes certain parts of the Borough to the north and west. These are predominantly included within the North/South Corridor chapter.

Figure 12 Eastern Warwickshire Travel Area

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This part of Warwickshire has strong links with a number of towns located outside the County, including Daventry, Banbury, Northampton and Leicester. Strong travel demand also exists towards Coventry and Birmingham. In developing the proposals for this part of Warwickshire, the County Council has worked in close partnership with Northamptonshire County Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Leicestershire County Council and Coventry City Council in order to be compatible with their LTP proposals.

The Shared Priorities in Eastern Warwickshire

While all four Shared Priorities are reflected in the plans for Eastern Warwickshire, the key local priorities focus on improvements to accessibility and congestion in order to support the regeneration and development of Rugby. Foremost is implementation of the Rugby Western Relief Road and revised traffic management arrangements within Rugby town centre.  Other measures and improvements to support the existing, committed and future potential expansion of the town, include improved services and facilities for public transport, walking and cycling, enhancements to the local highway network, and an upgrade of the M6 Junction 1 (A426).  Also important are the implementation of transport improvements to support the Rugby Business Improvement District, improved interchange facilities at Rugby Railway Station, and better links to the town centre.

The Overall Context

Population

The population of the Borough in 2003 was 89,200, up 5.6% since 1971.  This is less than half the growth for the County as a whole and the lowest growth of the five District/Boroughs. 

Forecasts from the Office for National Statistics suggest that the Borough’s population will continue to rise during and beyond the lifetime of this LTP. The impact of these predicted increases, coupled with the continuing change in household structure and composition will provide a significant challenge for the transport system in the area. The focus for the sustainable development of Rugby itself will require investment in all forms of transport, including public transport, pedestrian and cycling facilities, and new highway infrastructure. Enhancements to the existing highway network will also be required to improve the management of the transport asset.

Socio-Economic Issues

The mean household income in Rugby Borough is close to the average in Warwickshire. The Borough as a whole performs well in terms of the Index of Multiple Deprivation, however there are four wards in the Rugby area that fall within the 30% worst deprived wards in England (2004).

Job numbers in the Borough have followed the overall trend across the County. In common with other areas, the number of jobs fell during the early years of the 1990’s, however in the last ten years there has been steady sustained growth across the majority of sectors of the local economy. The current unemployment rate in Rugby Borough is 1.6%, which compares to a countywide level of 1.5%.

The economic vitality of Rugby town centre continues to be a major issue for the County Council, the Borough Council and the Town Centre Company. The positive vote in October 2005 that secured the Rugby Business Improvement District (BID) is the first step to securing the long term economic stability which the town needs. The Town Centre Company and the Borough Council are currently in the process of developing proposals for a significant redevelopment of part of the town centre to provide a further shopping area to raise the retail offer of the town.

The Environment

This part of the County has a number of environmental assets, including Draycote Water, the Oxford Canal and the River Avon. The fabric of the town of Rugby includes Rugby School, several historic churches, and a number of attractive parks and gardens.

Travel Patterns

Road Traffic Growth

Over the last 10 years, traffic growth in the urban area of Rugby has been 25%. The area has experienced slightly higher growth than the other main urban areas of the County due to recent housing and employment development within the town at Cawston and Coton respectively. Additional growth in vehicular traffic is expected in the area as further development comes forward, both in terms of allocated and windfall sites. The County and Borough Councils will aim to ameliorate the impact of this growth in vehicular traffic by securing appropriate measures through the land use planning system, and the implementation of the strategies contained within this LTP.

Figure 13 Rugby - Traffic Growth 1995 - 2005

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Modal Split

Modal split, illustrated by journeys to work in Rugby Borough, is set out in Table 3.6. There is a heavy reliance on the private car, and, to a lesser extent, walking. Use of public transport is relatively low, but has improved over the lifetime of the first LTP.  Modal split for the journey to work in the Borough is similar to the picture for the County as a whole. The car remains the dominant form of transport for travelling to and from work.

Table 3.7 shows a summary of school travel patterns in the Borough. The modal split for school journeys in the Borough is similar to the modal split in Warwickshire as a whole, with a strong reliance on the car and walking.

Transport Problems and Opportunities

A Fairer, More Accessible Transport System

Rugby Borough exhibits many of the same problems in terms of achieving an inclusive, accessible system as the rest of the County. The large rural hinterland of the area with its dispersed (and in some cases sparse) population, mean that it is difficult to serve with convenient and frequent public transport provision. The wide range of travel destinations in the area provides a challenge to meeting travel demand in this part of the County.

The topography and morphology of the area (and particularly Rugby itself) lends itself to the development of a core network of walking and cycling routes linking key trip attractors. Opportunities for integration with new development in the urban area are also strong. The County Council will continue to work with the key bus operators in the area to improve inter and intra-urban services to serve the town centre and its hinterland. A review of Community Transport provision across the Borough is also due to take place during the LTP period.

Full Employment and a Strong, Sustainable Economy

Transport has a vital role to play in ensuring that Rugby achieves its full economic and social potential. The committed and proposed development in the urban area (including the redevelopment of the former GEC/Alstom and Cattle Market sites) is vital to the regeneration of the town; these need to be supported by the provision of appropriate access improvements for all modes. Further development proposals within the town centre will also be key to expanding retail and employment facilities in the town.

Without the delivery in full of the proposed Rugby Western Relief Road (RWRR), the urban area will continue to suffer from congestion throughout the day. These problems are particularly acute in the commercial and industrial areas of the town to the north of the railway line, as well as within the town centre. The location of the railway line in dividing the town in two means that just four roads carry the majority of north-south traffic movements, one of which has a finite capacity due to it being controlled by traffic lights.

Ease of access to Rugby’s town centre is currently adversely affected by a lack of enforcement of parking restrictions. The County Council is currently working with Rugby Borough Council to implement Decriminalised Parking Enforcement during this LTP period.

Finally, the implementation of the West Coast Route Modernisation and improvement to Rugby Railway Station are vital to maintaining and enhancing the town’s connections to and from London, the Midlands and the North West. The County Council will continue to work with the rail industry, the Borough Council and the local rail users group to improve rail services and facilities at Rugby.

Reduction of Transport Impact on the Environment

Many parts of the urban area and particularly the town centre are currently adversely affected by the scale of vehicular traffic, including:

• The town centre of Rugby, specifically North Street/Church Street (which splits the main retail area of the town in two) and around the Warwick Street gyratory;
• In residential areas on the periphery of the town centre because of the lack of enforcement of parking in Residents’ Parking Schemes, and of traffic using inappropriate roads to avoid local congestion; and
• In the large rural area of Eastern Warwickshire, in terms of the volume, speed and nature of vehicles (particularly the movement of lorries).

In December 2004, Rugby Borough Council declared an Air Quality Management Area covering the whole of the urban area of Rugby. This issue is discussed in more detail later in this section.

To Improve the Safety and Security of People when they are using the Transport System

In 2004, there were 445 road casualties in Rugby Borough, with:

• 95 killed or seriously injured; and
• 350 slightly injured.

Fear of crime issues in the area are predominantly focused on Rugby town centre, and tend to be linked to the use of public transport (including buses and taxis/private hire vehicles) in evenings and at the weekend.

Integration of Transport

Opportunities for the physical integration of transport within and between modes are most prevalent within the urban area of Rugby, particularly on the main bus thoroughfare within the town centre (Church Street/North Street) and at Rugby railway station. Whilst these opportunities have to some extent been realised on Church Street/North Street, there are still difficulties in terms of physical interchange between modes at the railway station and the links to the town centre. An interim scheme to accommodate the proposed works at the railway station as part of the West Coast Route Modernisation will be undertaken in 2007/08. A working group has recently been formed to develop proposals for the wider development of the railway station, including better interchange facilities and an increased level of parking for rail users. Membership of this group consists of the County Council, Rugby Borough Council, Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Central Trains, and Stagecoach.

The Borough Council and the County Council work closely together in terms of integrating their policies and plans, not least in terms of land use and transportation planning. The two authorities are currently working together in relation to a number of significant developments within the urban area of Rugby, including the redevelopment of the former GEC/Alstom and Cattle Market sites near to the railway station.

The Strategy

General

The countywide strategy set out in Part 2 of this LTP will be implemented in this area by:

• A continued focus on improving facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, particularly within the urban area of Rugby;
• Continuing the implementation of the Safer Routes to School initiative, both in the urban and rural areas;
• Promoting better public transport services (bus, rail and community transport) throughout the Borough;
• Improving facilities for transport interchange at the railway station and on the main bus thoroughfare in the town centre (North Street/Church Street);
• Securing the provision of the Rugby Western Relief Road in full to reduce traffic congestion within the town centre;
• Improving the management and condition of the transport asset of the area, including the highway network and bridges;
• Integrating land development proposals with accessibility improvements;
• Securing the provision of travel plans in relation to major new development, and encouraging existing large trip generators to adopt their own travel plans (including schools);
• Controlling and managing car parking provision, and giving a high priority to improving the enforcement of parking regulations;
• Promoting alternatives to the use of the private car;
• Promoting road safety, and implementing casualty reduction schemes in corridors and at specific locations where known problem exist; and
• Identifying the medium/long-term transport needs of the area to support the delivery of the Rugby Borough Local Plan/Local Development Framework, the Business Improvement District, and any future expansion of retail and employment facilities within the town centre.

In the early years of the LTP period, the County Council will undertake a comprehensive transport study of Rugby, to identify:

• A transport strategy for the town centre to take advantage of the increased capacity released on the highway network by the delivery in full of the Rugby Western Relief Road, particularly for sustainable modes;
• The transport and accessibility measures needed to complement the proposals for any redevelopment of the town centre to provide further retail and employment facilities;
• An assessment of the scale and location of parking facilities that will be needed to support the town centre, particularly beyond 2011; and
• The transport and accessibility measures needed to support committed development in the urban area as identified in the Rugby Borough Local Plan, and any other known development opportunities in the medium term.

The remainder of this section sets out the key proposals that are likely to come forward in Eastern Warwickshire during the lifetime of this LTP. The implementation of measures to support and enhance the economic vitality of Rugby town centre remains one of the key priorities for the Local Transport Plan. The key proposals are illustrated in Figure 3.14.

Figure 14 Key proposals in the Rugby Urban Area

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Rugby Business Improvement District

In October 2005, the Rugby BID Company, the County Council, the Borough Council and the Town Centre Company successfully brokered a positive vote for the introduction of the Business Improvement District (BID) pilot scheme, which covers a large area of Rugby town centre. The BID will raise a sustainable source of funding via a local business tax, which will be used to fund improvements within the town centre. The Warwickshire/ Rugby BID is unique in the UK, in that it is the only pilot where the County Council, Borough Council and Town Centre Company are all signatories to the scheme.

The BID initiative has strong links to the national agendas of addressing liveability and quality of life issues. To complement the main improvements that the BID will yield, the BID Team has identified a number of ‘Added Value’ projects. These include:

• Public Realm improvements across the BID area;
• Street lighting and signage enhancements; and
• Links to wider LTP schemes.

The specific LTP schemes that complement the BID proposals are:

• Enhancements to North Street/Church Street;
• Improvements to bus stop infrastructure and information;
• Improvements to signage on Evreux Way, the Warwick Street gyratory, Hillmorton Road and Clifton Road;
• Improvements to the links between the railway station and town centre;
• Pedestrian/cycle improvements; and
• Decriminalisation of parking enforcement.

The Rugby BID area is shown in Figure 3.15.

Figure 15 Rugby BID Area

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Transport and Development

Existing Local Plan Sites

The current Rugby Borough Local Plan identified significant development within the main urban area at Cawston (residential), Coton Park (residential/employment) and Swift Valley (employment). To date, the Cawston and Swift Valley developments have been substantially completed. Coton Park (near M6/A426 junction) has been partially completed. The remaining parts of these sites will be completed during the lifetime of this LTP. These three sites have provided contributions towards the Rugby Western Relief Road, and improvements to M6 Junction 1 (Coton Park only).

The redevelopment of the former Alstom/GEC and Borough Council owned Cattle Market sites form a key element of the Local Plan review, currently being undertaken by Rugby Borough Council. The sites are located in the vicinity of Rugby railway station, to the immediate north and south of the West Coast Main Line (WCML) respectively. A master plan for the area has been developed and agreed in principle with the Borough Council by the owners of the former Alstom/GEC site (St. Modwen Properties). The master plan proposes a mix of uses incorporating residential, industrial, and retail development, along with a relocation of Warwickshire College and a significant amount of public open space.

To support the master plan, a number of transport/accessibility improvements are proposed. These include:

• The provision of a Link Road between the A426 Leicester Road and Mill Road to serve the redevelopment of the former Alstom/GEC site. With the implementation of suitable signing and other traffic management measures, this route could act as a relief route to the Boughton Road between the town centre and the north of Rugby;
• Delivery of a number of junction improvements in the vicinity of the master plan area;
• Contribution towards new and enhanced bus services and bus infrastructure to serve the site;
• Provision of enhancements to the Black Path, including a shared pedestrian/cycle facility over the WCML (in conjunction with Network Rail);
• Provision of a number of new pedestrian/cycle routes into and through the site; and
• Commitment to the implementation of a travel plan linked to the main employment developments on the site.

A large proportion of the master plan will be implemented during the LTP period. It is anticipated that the transport/accessibility improvements will be brought forward through a series of Section 106/278 agreements with the developers of the site.  Figure 3.16 illustrates the indicative master plan proposals.

Longer Term Development of Rugby

As noted earlier, the Town Centre Company and the Borough Council are in the process of developing proposals for a significant redevelopment of part of the town centre to provide further retail and employment facilities. While the timescale for this is likely to fall outside this LTP period (i.e. post-2011), the initial work to develop the transport and accessibility improvements needed to complement the proposals will be undertaken in the early years of the LTP as part of the Rugby Transport Study.

The West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS11) identifies Rugby as a potential sub-regional growth area. This issue however is currently subject to further assessment as part of the partial review of the RSS. The County Council is inputting to this assessment, not least in terms of commenting on the need for transportation and accessibility improvements to complement any significant expansion of the area.

Resolution of capacity issues at M6 Junction 1 (M6/A426) will be required with the Highways Agency prior to any further major development coming forward in Rugby. A more detailed discussion of these issues can be found later in this section.

Air Quality

Rugby Borough Council declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in December 2004 covering the whole of the town and its immediate hinterland. This designation has been brought about by an exceedance of NO₂ levels due to high traffic levels on the main routes into the town centre, specifically around the Warwick Street gyratory, and near the Rugby Cement works. The main reason for declaring the whole of Rugby an AQMA is to identify air quality as a strategic issue that needs to be addressed through the Local Transport Plan. The measures described elsewhere in this section of the LTP describe how the County Council, the Borough Council and its stakeholders intend to address the air quality issues within the town centre. These include improvements to public transport, walking and cycling facilities, and delivery of the Rugby Western Relief Road.

An Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is due to be submitted by the Borough Council to Defra in June 2006. The County Council has committed to assist the Borough Council in the preparation of this document. A report on the AQMP will be included in the LTP Delivery Report in July 2006.

Public Transport Improvements

Bus

In line with the Bus Strategy, the County Council will work with Stagecoach in Warwickshire to bring forward a Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) on the Service 1 corridor between Hillmorton and Rugby town centre. Low floor easy-access buses running on a 10-minute frequency will replace the existing service, which is currently operated using step-entry minibuses. The County Council, as Highway Authority will upgrade the bus stop infrastructure and information provision on the route to complement the improved vehicle and frequency enhancements provided by the operator.

An Inter-Urban Quality Bus Corridor will be developed on the route from Rugby to Coventry via Wolston and Binley Woods.

Stagecoach has recently improved the existing Service 4 QBC (Brownsover to the town centre) through increased frequency of services to five buses per hour during most of the day. This has built on the investment that was made during the first LTP period in the original QBC by the County Council and the bus operator.

A Quality Bus Initiative (QBI) is proposed for the Rugby - Clifton - Newton route.

Improvements to the North Street/Church Street Bus Information Point (BIP) will be implemented during this LTP as part of the County Council’s Public Transport Interchange Strategy. This will be undertaken as part of the ‘Added Value’ schemes to the Rugby BID. Further Bus Information Points will be brought forward in the future as part of the bus-rail interchange at Rugby Railway Station (see below) and possibly on Corporation Street.

The County Council will continue to work with the rail industry, bus operators and the Borough Council to develop proposals for better interchange facilities at Rugby railway station. This will incorporate the facilities that would be provided at a standard Bus Information Point.

Picture 6 Warwickshire's County Links bus service

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Rail

Rugby Railway Station

Rugby’s location on the national rail network means that it enjoys reasonably good links to London, the Midlands, the North West and Scotland. The retention and improvement of these links however is vital to the long-term vitality and viability of the town’s economy.

The County Council, along with Rugby Borough Council and the recently established Rugby Rail Users Group, have played an active role in the development of the proposals for the Rugby area as part of the West Coast Route Modernisation project. This has included providing input on issues in relation to the proposed reconstruction of the railway station and the associated revised track layout. This work is due to be substantially undertaken during the next three years, with a target completion date of Summer 2008. This will mean that revised service changes can be accommodated in the December 2008 timetable.

The West Coast Route Modernisation works will have an impact during the lifetime of the LTP on the nature of service provision that Rugby will experience. Virgin West Coast train stopping patterns will be simplified to provide a broadly hourly service in each direction to London and Liverpool, with some additional services in the peak periods. Central Trains will continue to provide services from Birmingham to Northampton using high-speed electric Desiro units, calling at Coventry and Rugby and other intermediate stations.

The County Council will continue to lobby the rail industry for the early reinstatement of through stopping services from London to Rugby, which were previously provided by Silverlink. The County Council will also continue to lobby for improvements to the capacity of the rail network in the Rugby – Coventry – Birmingham corridor for passenger and freight services.

The County Council will continue to work with its partners to deliver improved interchange facilities at Rugby railway station. As noted earlier, a working group has recently been formed to develop proposals for the wider development of the railway station, including better interchange facilities and an increased level of parking for rail users. Membership of this group consists of the County Council, Rugby Borough Council, Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Central Trains, and Stagecoach.

A number of dedicated pedestrian/cycle links will be provided from the redevelopment of the former GEC/Alstom site to the railway station. These will include an upgrade of the Black Path and the provision of a shared pedestrian/cycle bridge over the West Coast Main Line.

Improvements to the pedestrian/cycle links and signage between the Railway Station and the town centre will be implemented as part of the ‘Added Value’ schemes to the Rugby BID and the provision of improved interchange at the railway station.

The County Council will work in partnership with the Borough Council and the Town Centre Company to establish the feasibility of providing a dedicated bus link from the railway station to the town centre. This will be focused on delivering a quality public transport service particularly for business people arriving in Rugby.

Picture 7 Bridge maintenance in progress near Brinklow

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Community Transport

During the lifetime of the LTP, the County Council will consider undertaking a feasibility study, in conjunction with operators and the voluntary sector, to evaluate whether better co-ordination among community transport operators in the Borough can be achieved. The study could also consider alternative ways forward for medium and longer-term involvement of community transport in accessibility solutions for the Borough.

Enhanced facilities for community transport passengers will be provided at Rugby railway station consistent with the aims set out in the Public Transport Interchange Strategy. Enhanced facilities and information will also be provided where appropriate at all existing/new Bus Information Points.

The County Council will investigate demand responsive and flexible services as feeder services into key transport corridors and existing/future Quality Bus Corridors, including Service 4 (Brownsover to the town centre) and the Rugby – Coventry inter-urban route.

In line with the Community Transport Strategy, the County Council will promote the mainstreaming of community transport services in order to sustain established community transport initiatives. This includes the ‘Easyrider’ service that currently operates in Rugby, and the countywide ‘Wheels to Work’ moped loan scheme.

Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles

Enhanced facilities for taxis and private hire vehicles will be provided at Rugby railway station and other key interchanges consistent with the aims set out in the Public Transport Interchange Strategy.

The County Council will develop taxibus services to meet specific demand in the County where conventional public transport is neither operationally or economically appropriate. This could include developing a taxibus service in Rugby to act as a demand responsive feeder to rail services.

Improvements for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians

During this LTP period, the County Council, in conjunction with the Borough Council and the Town Centre Company, will bring forward proposals to improve conditions for pedestrians within Rugby, including North Street/Church Street and other key routes within and through the town centre. Where possible, these will be delivered in conjunction with or complement improvements to civic spaces within the town centre. Other pedestrian improvements within the area will be identified as opportunities arise.

Provision of a pedestrian route on Bilton Lane will be brought forward as part of a Safer Route to School from Long Lawford to Bilton High School (see below).

A number of pedestrian routes will be provided/upgraded within the redevelopment of the former Alstom/GEC and livestock market sites.

Cycling

During the first LTP period, a significant expansion of the cycle network within the urban area of Rugby has been undertaken. The inter-urban Sustrans National Cycle Network (NCN) route from Leamington Spa to Rugby (Route 41) was also recently completed in Summer 2005.

During this LTP period, the following cycle routes will be investigated and/or implemented in conjunction with Sustrans and/or Rugby Borough Council:

• Improved cycle access to Rugby town centre (to be investigated as part of the proposed Rugby Transport Study);
• Hillmorton to Rugby town centre;
• Routes to and within the redevelopment of the former GEC/Alstom and Cattle Market sites (to be developer funded);
• Birmingham – Coventry – Rugby – Northampton (Sustrans NCN Route 53); and
• Sustrans proposal for the Rugby – Leamington Spa (Newbold Comyn) twin braid route (utilising the former Rugby to Leamington Spa railway line).

The Safer Routes to School schemes outlined below will also contribute towards the expansion of the urban cycle network of Rugby over the next five years.

Shared Pedestrian/Cycle Links

A number of dedicated pedestrian/cycle links will be provided from the redevelopment of the former Alstom/GEC site to the railway station. These will include an upgrade of the Black Path and the provision of a new shared pedestrian/cycle bridge over the West Coast Main Line.

Improvements to the pedestrian/cycle links between the Railway Station and the town centre will be implemented as part of the ‘Added Value’ schemes to the Town Centre Business Improvement District.

The proposed improvements on North Street/Church Street will benefit pedestrians and cyclists in this corridor, and will improve access to the town centre by these modes.

Picture 8 The Black Path

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Safer Routes to School

Two Safer Routes to School schemes are proposed within Rugby during the lifetime of this LTP. These are:

• Brownsover to Avon Valley School (shared pedestrian/cycle path); and,
• Long Lawford to Bilton High School (pedestrian route only).

Improvements for the Mobility Impaired

As part of the Rugby Town Centre Action Plan, the Borough Council, County Council and Town Centre Company will actively support proposals to improve access to businesses within the town centre. Efforts will also be made to improve access from car parks/disabled parking spaces to key points within town centre.

The Borough Council and Town Centre Company intend to deliver a Shopmobility scheme within the town centre by March 2007. This will initially be located within the North Street car park.

Powered Two Wheelers

Improvements for powered two wheelers will be made in line with the proposals contained in the County Council’s Powered Two Wheeler Strategy.

Parking

Recent studies on parking within Rugby have highlighted the on-going abuse of parking regulations and the lack of effective enforcement within the town. This is having a serious impact on:

• The economic vitality and viability of the town centre;
• The environment of residential areas around the periphery of the town centre;
• Safety on the public highway due to parking in potentially dangerous locations; and
• Bus operations, due to parking in and around bus stops and taxi ranks.

The introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement within the Rugby area is therefore proposed during the early part of the LTP period to address these issues.

As part of the Rugby Transport Study, the need for further parking facilities in the town centre will be explored.

Highway Improvements and Traffic Management Measures – County Roads

Warwick Street Gyratory

The Warwick Street gyratory is located to the south west of the town centre, and provides a significant highway interchange between the A4071, A428 and A426 (i.e. the three key routes into or across the urban area of Rugby). The gyratory is currently one way in a clockwise direction, and is partially signalised. In conjunction with the implementation in full of the Rugby Western Relief Road, the County Council intend to review the operation of the gyratory, and consider the possibility of improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and buses. Such improvements could include:

• Provision of new or enhanced pedestrian crossings;
• Provision of cycle lanes, advance cycle stop facilities and safety measures for cyclists;
• Provision of new or enhanced traffic signals and signage; and
• Provision of measures to assist public transport.

In the longer term, the County Council will consider the feasibility of further improvements to the gyratory, including the possibility of two-way operation. Options for the improvement of the gyratory will be identified in the proposed Rugby Transport Study.

Should the Western Relief Road be complete by 2008/09 as planned, a major improvement of the gyratory could begin on site towards the end of the LTP period. It is also anticipated that the completion of the Rugby Western Relief Road will have a positive impact on the air quality issues that have been highlighted as a problem at the gyratory.

Rugby Western Relief Road

The existing Rugby Borough Local Plan proposes substantial development at Coton Park, Swift Valley and Cawston in the South West – North corridor of the town. A new section of highway, known as the Rugby Western Relief Road, has been identified as critical to supporting these developments and reducing traffic congestion in Rugby town centre.

The preferred route of the Western Relief Road is from the A426 Avon Mill roundabout to Potford’s Dam has been established, and would provide a strategic link between the M6/A426 in the north and the A45/M45 in the south.  The proposed route is illustrated in Figure 3.17.

Figure 17 Rugby Western Relief Route

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The County Council was successful in getting the Public Inquiry for the scheme reopened during 2005. A decision from the Inquiry Inspector was received by the County Council in December 2005, and confirmed that the scheme should be constructed in full from Avon Mill to Potford’s Dam, subject to some minor alignment changes at the southern end of the route. This will require the confirmation of a revised planning application and set of orders for the scheme. Subject to the satisfactory resolution of these issues, the County Council will be in a position to seek full acceptance for the scheme later in 2006. This would allow construction of the scheme to begin early in 2007. Approximately £14m of developer funding and £8.06m of Major Scheme funding is available for the scheme.

Church Street/North Street

Church Street/North Street runs in a north west to east direction through Rugby, and provides the main highway access into the core retail and business centre of the town. It is also acts as the principal thoroughfare for bus services in Rugby. During the last LTP period, a number of improvements were made to Church Street/North Street, including:

• Designation of the corridor as a 20mph zone;
• Provision of improved cycle facilities;
• Relocation of the taxi rank; and
• Improvements to the quality of the bus shelters and information provision at all key stops on the route.

Without the Rugby Western Relief Road in place, any significant alteration to this corridor is not possible because of the impact it would have on traffic conditions on the Warwick Street gyratory, and the distribution of traffic around the town generally. Options to ‘lock in’ the benefits of the Western Relief Road in the town centre (including Church Street/North Street) will be explored as part of the proposed Rugby Transport Study.

The earliest date for completion of the Western Relief Road is 2008/09. It is therefore possible that an improvement to this corridor could begin on site towards the end of the LTP period.

A426 Newbold Road Improvement

The County Council has safeguarded an improvement line along the A426 Newbold Road to the north west of the town centre for a number of years. The principal aim of the scheme was to dual Newbold Road between Corporation Street/Evreux Way and Leicester Road/Avon Mill, and thus complete the remaining non-dual section of the A426 north-south corridor. Whilst the scheme would potentially increase capacity and improve safety at a number of junctions, it would also create severance between residential areas and the town centre. Despite the provision of additional capacity on Newbold Road, congestion at the Evreux Way roundabout would be likely to remain a problem. The scheme would also require the acquisition of a number of residential and business properties, along with the provision of a widened bridge under the West Coast Main Line. In light of these issues, the County Council will decide on whether to abandon the scheme once a start is made on delivering the Rugby Western Relief Road.

In place of the scheme described above, the County Council will investigate a more modest scheme to enhance capacity and improve safety in the corridor, particularly at the junction of Newbold Road and Wood Street. Improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users will also be considered within the scheme, along with environmental enhancements to improve the image of this important gateway to Rugby town centre.

A4071 Bilton Bypass

An improvement line along the A4071 Bilton Road has been safeguarded for a number of years by the County Council. The scheme would provide a short bypass to the north of the main street through Bilton village centre, and would improve the environmental quality of the area as well as improving safety.

Whilst there are issues in relation to the acceptability of the scheme in terms of its proximity to a number of residential properties, the County Council will continue to safeguard the route. The need for the bypass will be reviewed once a start is made on delivering the Rugby Western Relief Road.

B4429 Ashlawn Road/Barby Road/Onley Lane Improvement

The County Council will keep under review the need for an improvement of the junction of Ashlawn Road/Barby Road/Onley Lane, located to the south of Rugby town centre. The B4429 Ashlawn Road provides a key link between the A4071 Bilton Road and the A428 Hillmorton Road, and effectively provides a bypass for traffic passing through the town centre in an east-west direction. It is also a key route to Ashlawn School. Barby Road/Onley Lane provides an important link from Rugby town centre to Barby and Daventry in Northamptonshire.

There have been 8 personal injury accidents at this junction in the last 5 years, consisting of 7 slight and 1 serious.

A428 Bretford Bridge

The County Council has historically safeguarded an improvement line in Bretford on the A428 between Rugby and Coventry. The scheme would provide a new bridge over the River Avon and a partial bypass of the village of Bretford, and would replace the current single lane, signal controlled bridge.

Given the current levels of traffic using the A428 through Bretford (around 8,000 vehicles per day) and the structural condition of the existing bridge, there is little justification at present for the scheme to be progressed. It is also predicted that following the construction of the Rugby Western Relief Road, a further 3,000 vehicles per day will transfer away from the A428.

It would seem appropriate within these circumstances to review the scheme in consultation with local stakeholders and interest groups following the construction of the Rugby Western Relief Road.

Freight

Rugby – Southam Cement Works Rail Line

During the first LTP period, the County Council entered into discussion with Rugby Cement to discuss the potential to recommence the movement of cement by rail from Southam Cement Works, situated on the truncated Rugby – Leamington Spa railway line. Despite the best efforts of all parties involved, the discussions concluded that the proposal was not viable within the economic climate at that time.

The County Council will keep the proposal to reopen the line under review.

Daventry International Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT)

Daventry International Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) is located just outside the County boundary near Crick in Northamptonshire, and provides a regionally significant road/rail freight interchange. The site, which has recently received permission from Daventry District Council for a substantial expansion, is located close to the M1 and A5, and has daily rail departures to locations in the UK and on the Continent.

The County Council will seek to take advantage of the proximity of DIRFT to Warwickshire in encouraging the movement of goods by rail rather than road, in line with the policies set out in the Sustainable Freight Distribution Strategy. The County Council will continue to press for improvements to pedestrian and cycle access to DIRFT from Rugby to be provided, along with improved bus services. The County Council will consider the use of traffic management measures will be considered on roads in the vicinity of DIRFT to address any inappropriate local traffic movements in relation to the site.

Motorways and Trunk Roads

M6 Junction 1

Junction 1 of the M6 north of Rugby provides the principal access to the town from the Midlands and the North. The A426 Leicester Road provides access to and from the motorway, and is dual carriageway throughout from the Newbold Road/Avon Mill roundabout. Over recent years, this corridor has become more heavily used as development has taken place along the Leicester Road and at Coton Park, close to the motorway junction.

Incremental improvements have been made to Junction 1 to maintain and improve the capacity of the interchange with the A426. These works have included changes to the circulatory carriageway and slips, signalisation and signing improvements.

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, as well as the committed improvements at M1 Junction 19 (see below).

M1 Junction 19 Improvement

Located just outside the County in Leicestershire, M1 Junction 19 provides a strategic highway interchange at the ‘crossroads of the country’ between the M1, M6 and A14. The current configuration of the junction does not allow all movements to be made (e.g. M1 north to A14 east). The existing junction also integrates with a number of local roads and suffers from congestion throughout the day.

In 2004, the Highways Agency submitted a formal TR111 notice to the County Council giving intention to undertake a major upgrade of Junction 19. This will provide an all movements junction to replace the current configuration.

The main benefit for the County Council should be a reduction in traffic at M6 Junction 1 in terms of less traffic using the A426 Rugby Road from Junction 20 of the M1 at Lutterworth to cut across to the M6, and from M1 north to A14 east traffic no longer needing to use M6 Junction 1 (as is currently signed).

The Highways Agency has indicated that the junction improvement will be complete by 2010.

M1 to Birmingham Route Management Strategy

The M1 to Birmingham Route Management Strategy covered five key routes, including the A5 from M1 Junction 18 to Weeford Island (A5/A38) near Lichfield. The draft RMS was produced by the Highways Agency in 2002, and the final version has now been published.

The main element identified for the A5 in the short-term was a review of its function as an appropriate route for abnormal loads.

Major improvements to the A5 in the longer term such as increasing capacity by widening to dual-two land carriageway between the M42 and M69, and solutions to bottlenecks at the M69 and A47 Longshoot were identified as possibilities (subject to further study) during the development of the RMS. However, it will be necessary for a long-term strategy for the A5 to be developed in due course, which may or may not identify the need for major improvements along the Warwickshire/Leicestershire section of the route.

The County Council will be happy to work with the Highways Agency to identify a longer term strategy for the A5, including both the A5/A47 Longshoot junction and the A5/A426/Gibbet Lane roundabout at Gibbet Hill north of M6 Junction 1.

A5 Route Management Strategy – M1 Junction 9 to M1 Junction 18

A draft RMS for this section of the A5 was published for consultation in 2004. The final RMS is due to be published shortly. There do not appear to be any significant issues raised within the draft strategy at M1 Junction 18 east of Rugby.