Funding secured to improve A3400 Birmingham Road in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford upon Avon is set to see its main arterial road improved after the government approved funding this week.

Warwickshire County Council has been given £2.4m from the Department for Transport through its National Productivity Investment Fund to bring forward a £3.5 million scheme with Warwickshire County Council meeting the remainder of the cost through its Capital Investment Fund.

The scheme is set to improve capacity by making better use of the available highway land and provide, new slip road onto the Tesco site.

Improvements will also be made to the pedestrian and cycling facilities along the southern end of the Birmingham Road corridor along with variable message signs alerting drivers to congestion, incidents, delays and advising on alternative routes that can be taken.

The Birmingham Road is the main gateway route connecting the A46 to the north of Stratford with the town centre. The improvements are designed to improve the flow of traffic along the corridor which is currently highly prone to congestion.

Current projections forecast a doubling of average journey times along the road if nothing is done as developments within the A3400 corridor and further afield in Stratford take effect.

The £2.4 million funding package from the Department for Transport will be complemented by £1.1 million of funding from the county council. Currently the Birmingham Road is prone to severe congestion on a regular basis. The project also includes extra pedestrian facilities and improved cycling infrastructure along the route.

Councillor Cllr Jeff Clarke, portfolio holder for transport and environment at Warwickshire County Council, said: "The funds will help us deliver improvements on a key gateway to the town and will ease congestion, improve air quality and support economic growth throughout Stratford upon Avon."

Councillor Peter Richards, portfolio holder for Housing and Infrastructure Projects at Stratford-on-Avon District Council said:  "This is fantastic news for Stratford upon Avon and a clear demonstration of how joint working between Stratford District Council and Warwickshire County Council can reap rewards.

"The Birmingham Road Scheme has been high on our agenda for some time and we are very pleased to receive support from Government to help relieve the traffic congestion in our town."