Work is now set to begin on the Bermuda Connectivity scheme, the programme of highway improvements that will tackle congestion in and around West Nuneaton.
The Bermuda Connectivity scheme will reopen the Bermuda Bridge to two-way traffic and improve connectivity by creating a direct 1.3 mile highway link between West Nuneaton and the Griff Roundabout.
The scheme will also make improvements to the existing bridge over the A444, currently only used by pedestrians and cyclists which, when reopened, will enable connections from it to the adjoining highway at St George’s Way and The Bridleway.
The work is being supported by £1 million from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) via the Government’s Local Growth Fund and £500,000 from the Growing Places Fund.
The current works will start on 5th May from St Georges Way with the scheme continuing through The Bridleway and Bermuda Road being completed sequentially over the course of the next year.
The first phase of the work will see realignment of kerbs, pavement and road from the Griff Island to the Bridleway approach to create a shared cycleway/footpath. These are expected to take place until late August.
The works will be carried out by highways specialist contractor C R Reynolds Ltd. All efforts will be made to keep traffic disruption to a minimum and works will take place between 9am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, avoiding peak periods.
Mark Ryder, Strategic Director for Communities at Warwickshire County Council, said: “It is great to see the work start on the Bermuda Connectivity scheme. It will support the County Council and our partners at the borough council and in the local business community with many of our ambitions for Nuneaton. And with the Transforming Nuneaton programme gaining momentum, there is a real buzz being created around Nuneaton.
“The Bermuda Connectivity scheme has so many benefits for the surrounding area. It will support the local economy with greater access to businesses in the area and increased connectivity to Bermuda Station will support access to employment; reduced congestion will mean cleaner air and the enhanced pathways for pedestrians and cyclists will encourage active travel and support people’s healthy lifestyles.”
Sarah Windrum, Chair of the CWLEP said: “As the new CWLEP Chair, my three main priorities are to support businesses to grow and drive the economy forward so that we have skilled jobs in the future and prosperity for all; ensuring young people have a voice; and focusing on our communities since the future of our town and city centres will be shaped by the digital sector as we move to the Experience Age.
“Supporting a green sustainable future is a crucial thread that runs through my priorities and is also one of the key ambitions in our Strategic Reset Framework which is geared towards encouraging enterprise and innovation to boost the local economy.
“The new paths for cyclists and pedestrians will lead to lower emissions and improved air quality, and the overall project will improve access to major employment sites within Nuneaton as well as support the growth aspirations of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.”
More information about the scheme can be found here: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/bermudaconnection