Drivers face new 50mph speed limit as major roadworks begin on vital Midlands route

Drivers using one of the Midlands' busiest roads will face a temporary 50mph speed limit and overnight road closures as work begins on a major upgrade to the A46 Walsgrave junction near Coventry.

National Highways has started preparatory work on the multi-million-pound scheme, with overnight operations now underway ahead of full construction later this year.

The project is designed to tackle congestion at one of the region's busiest traffic hotspots and improve journeys for thousands of motorists.

Temporary 50mph speed restrictions will remain in place while the works are carried out, and drivers should expect overnight closures and signed diversion routes over the coming weeks.

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The first stage of the project includes installing new road signs, clearing vegetation and building temporary access roads for construction vehicles.

To allow the work to take place safely, lay-bys on the A46 between the Walsgrave junction and M6 Junction 2 will be closed.

The northbound carriageway will be shut overnight from 8pm until 6am, Monday to Friday, until July 31, while southbound closures are planned on the nights of August 3 and 4.

National Highways said scheduling the work overnight will help reduce disruption for the 57,000 drivers who use the junction every day.

The Walsgrave junction connects the A46 with the B4082 and has long been seen as one of the biggest bottlenecks on the route, with motorists regularly facing lengthy queues during busy periods.

It is one of the country's most important roads, linking the South West, the Midlands and the North, and acts as a key freight corridor used to transport goods between manufacturing centres, distribution hubs and major ports.

Once the scheme is complete, traffic travelling along the A46 will be able to pass straight through the junction without stopping.

National Highways explained the redesign will improve traffic flow, reduce delays and provide extra capacity to cope with future growth in traffic.

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The project is also expected to improve access to local roads, making journeys easier for residents, commuters, and businesses in the area.

Emma Winter, project manager at National Highways, said the improvements would benefit both drivers and the wider economy.

She said: "Motorways and major A roads play a key role in keeping the UK economy moving, carrying a third of all traffic and two-thirds of freight.

"The new-look Walsgrave junction will reduce delays by delivering much-needed additional capacity, better connectivity and safer journeys for the drivers using the road every day."

It forms part of National Highways' wider programme to improve the A46 Trans-Midlands Trade Corridor, which stretches from the M5 to the Humber ports.

The transport organisation stated the programme will support economic growth by improving transport links, helping businesses move goods more efficiently and making it easier for people to access jobs.

Better road connections are also expected to encourage investment and support future housing developments across the region.

Full construction of the new junction is due to begin in September, with the upgraded road expected to open to traffic in 2028.

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