A49 Winwick Road junction improvement works

Motorists are advised that major improvement works are due to start in mid July on the A49 Winwick Road near to the Tesco superstore.

The scheme involves:

• widening of the carriageway to create a second southbound traffic lane on the A49 (between its junction with Kerfoot Street and Lythgoes Lane)
• the removal of the existing bus lane to the north of the Tesco junction
• amendments to the traffic signal layout at the access to the superstore / stadium to improve access to both facilities, and
• the opening of the 'bus gate' linking into Winwick Road – this will be open to buses in a northbound direction only and cyclists in both directions.

Various temporary traffic restrictions will be in place to allow for the works, however the council will make every effort to minimise disruption to traffic. Work will be restricted to off peak traffic periods with certain aspects of the works taking place between 7.00pm and 5.00am to minimise disruption to traffic movements.

These proposals have been developed in partnership with Tesco, with the scheme being jointly funded by both partners and works are expected to be completed by November 2008.

Cllr Alan Litton, Executive Board member for environment services said,
"The aim of the scheme is to help reduce congestion and safety concerns raised by commuters and local residents following the introduction of the original access arrangements in 2003 and to provide better priority for bus services by opening the ‘bus gate’."

The council apologises for any inconvenience caused during the improvement works. Information updates will be circulated to local residents and businesses throughout the duration of the works.

If you require any further information and/or details - please contact:

Issued by:  Gina Coldrick, Press Officer
Date:   Tuesday 8 July, 2008
Release: Immediate