COUNCIL chiefs have given the green light to the £3.7million needed for improvements to Europa Way roundabout in Leamington.
Warwickshire County Council agreed to add the cash to its Capital Programme for a highway improvement scheme at the roundabout of the Europa Way, Gallows Hill, Harbury Lane and Heathcote Lane.
The scheme is needed following development in the area which will see the building of around 900 dwellings, a primary school, a local community centre and a 500 vehicle park and ride facility. The works will be brought forward over the next few years, following full development of the scheme, alongside the broader programme of works in the area.
Planning consent was granted by Warwick District Council with the stipulation that the developers fully finance a roundabout scheme to increase capacity on the highway to safely accommodate the projected increase in traffic volumes.
Councillors agreed to add the cash from the developers to its Capital allocation at a recent meeting.
The scheme, to be overseen by WCC, will improve the existing roundabout junction. The local carriageway will be widened to introduce a dual lane exit onto Europa Way North and a third lane will be constructed on the south side of the roundabout.
A new footpath and cycleway will also be built along with a signalised crossing to further improve safety.
WCC’s finance spokesperson Coun Peter Butlin said: “As a prudent council, taking decisions that involve more than £2million to all members makes sense. It’s good that council agreed with Cabinet’s decision to approve the funding.
“Having received that ratification, we can now earmark that money to increase the highway’s capacity to accommodate the increased number of vehicles the development will bring but also to increase the safe options for walking and cycling, making our infrastructure more sustainable.”
