Chance to have a say on plans to upgrade A5 in North Warwickshire

National Highways is inviting residents to have their say on plans to upgrade the A5 in North Warwickshire.

The A5 is largely single carriageway between Dordon and Atherstone and often heavily congested with hold-ups at the roundabouts at Dordon, Spon Lane and Holly Lane in particular.

It is part of a key strategic route between London and Holyhead and forms a significant link between East and West Midlands as well as connecting many urban areas to the national motorway network including the M1, M42, M69 and M6.

A need for additional housing and business growth in the area has also been highlighted by local authorities and National Highways recognises that the A5 must have adequate capacity to cope with the increased travel demand that would bring.

National Highways is therefore considering proposals to upgrade the A5 on the busy stretch between the Dordon Roundabout, Spon Lane Roundabout at Grendon and Holly Lane Roundabout.

This project is being delivered in partnership with the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, as it will both relieve traffic congestion and unlock housing, enabling around 4,000 homes to come forward around Dordon, Atherstone and Tamworth.

A six-week public consultation is being launched on Monday (5 September) when people will be invited to comment on three options which centre around building a dual carriageway bypass and creating new or improved roundabouts to better manage traffic.

National Highways Programme Leader, Martin Potts, said:

“The proposals we are putting forward, developed with the local authorities, are intended to provide smoother and more reliable journeys, reducing the queuing along this stretch of the A5 and improving road safety – for all road users including cyclists, walkers and horse riders as well as motorists.

“Upgrading the A5 will support the delivery of any future developments along the road and support wider economic growth. 

“We really need feedback from local people who know the area and the impact these plans will have on the community, the road network and themselves. We want that input from the local communities to help us shape future designs for this heavily congested area.”

Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Deputy Director of Land and Infrastructure, Amanda Hurford, said:

“The Government is committed to increasing housing supply and this project will make an important contribution by allowing thousands of homes in the West Midlands to come forward.”

Details of the three options can be found here from Monday.

People can also attend a number of public information events where National Highways staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide more information about the proposals.

The events will be taking place as follows:

• 8 September 2-8pm - Dordon Village Hall, Browns Lane, Dordon, B78 1TR
• 15 September, 3-8pm ­–­ Grendon Community Centre, Boot Hill, Grendon, CV9 2EL
• 28 September, 11.30am to 5pm –­ Owen Street Community Arts Centre, Owen Street, CV9 1DG
• 6 October 2-8pm – Dordon Village Hall, Browns Lane, Dordon, B78 1TR.

All comments will be considered by National Highways and the feedback will help to decide a preferred option. This will be put forward for consideration by the Department for Transport. The scheme will also be partially funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Anyone who would like to share their thoughts when the consultation opens on Monday can find an online response form here where there will also be details of two webinars taking place on 20 September and 13 October.

Forms can also be emailed to: A5dordontoatherstone@nationalhighways.co.uk 

The consultation finishes on Sunday 16 October 2022.

Notes to Editors

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:

Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)