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The Highways Agency invites the public to an exhibition to see plans for its proposed £58m bypass scheme at M40 Junction 15 near Warwick.
The exhibition is at the Warwick Hilton Hotel on the A429 Warwick Road, near Warwick on Friday 21 July from 12noon to 8.00pm, and Saturday 22 July from10.00am to 4.00pm.
Visitors will be able to see the plans, for a new dual carriageway west of the A46, linking the A46 Warwick bypass north of the motorway to the A46 Stratford Road south of the motorway. Today's publication of draft Orders and Environmental Statement marks the start of the statutory objection period for the scheme.
Highways Agency Project Leader Jonathon Pizzey said:
"We hope people will come to the exhibition where they can see the plans and put questions to the project team about the scheme and its environmental implications.
"We have worked closely with local authorities and agencies to develop the plans to this stage. We would like as many people as possible to have the opportunity to comment on this scheme. The 10-week statutory objection period to 16 September will give people a chance to consider the proposals and let us know their views.
"I hope lots of people will come and talk to us on 21 and 22 July. The draft Orders and Environmental Statement will be available for viewing at the exhibition and at a number of locations around the county, including Warwick Library and Leamington Library.
"Following the 10-week objection period, we will respond to any queries, concerns and objections we receive and seek to resolve them. Depending on the number and nature of objections, a public inquiry may be held before an independent inspector early next year."
Anyone wishing to support, comment on or object to these proposals is welcome to do so. Written comments should be sent to:
The M40 Junction 15 (Longbridge) Bypass Team
The Highways Agency
Floor D4
Broadway Offices
5 Broadway
Birmingham
B15 1BL or
email: M40J15_bypass@highways.gsi.gov.uk
The scheme includes a northern connection to the A46 via a two-level link, a new bridge over the M40 motorway and a roundabout south of the motorway, which would also link to the B4463. Two underpasses at the roundabout would provide safe crossing facilities for farm vehicles, pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists.
FOR THOSE VISITING THE EXHIBITION, PARKING AT THE HOTEL IS FREE - VOUCHERS TO EXIT THE CAR PARK ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE HIGHWAYS AGENCY AT THE EXHIBITION.
Background Information:-
Copies of the draft Orders and Environmental Statement are on display at the following locations:
* The Highways Agency, Reception Area, 5 Broadway, Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1BL
* Warwickshire County Council, Shire Hall, Warwick, CV34 4RA
* Leamington Spa Library, Royal Pump Rooms, The Parade, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 4AA
* Warwick Library and Information Centre, Barrack Street, Warwick, CV34 4TH
* Birmingham Central Library, Local Studies and History, 6th Floor, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3HQ.
In May 2005 the main contractor, Morrison Construction Ltd, and the designer Hyder were appointed under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract, to complete the design and construct the bypass. ECI brings the contractor in at an early stage of design and development, which means the scheme can benefit from the contractor's expertise in construction methods, bringing reduced costs and improved value to the project. ECI also allows for more scope for innovation, better planning for resource requirements and shorter construction periods.
The approved budget for the scheme is £58m. The scheme is designed to improve safety and reduce congestion. Accident stats (2002 -2005) 68 accidents, 2 NMU (Non-Motorised User) accidents, 105 Total Injuries, 2 NMU Injuries.
Start of work for this project is expected during Autumn 2007 subject to funding and satisfactory completion of the remaining statutory procedures.
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