Agenda item

Tristan Hall (Delivery Lead - Project and Programme Management) made the following points on the EDS Dashboard:

·       Avon Mill. This project had progressed well. The Department of Transport (DFT) had previously agreed to fund a large portion of this, and a recent funding announcement means that an even greater proportion of the Councils anticipated capital costs will now be DfT funded. The development of a public engagement plan prior to the planning application has moved forward. The planning application has continued to progress. Flood modelling was submitted to the Environment Agency (EA) for review and comment. The conclusion of the flood modelling and agreement with the EA remains the largest current risk to commencing the construction work on programme. Warwickshire County Council continues to engage with the EA around this.

·       A47 Hinckley Road Scheme (Long Shoot). This scheme had made progress however it had been recognised that further engagement with members and other stakeholders is required.

·       St Johns Road. Due to the high number of works in progress in the Warwick and Leamington Spa area further negotiation on road space to get onto the network needs to be undertaken and this is impacting our ability to commence construction works. The design has progressed well and a budget redevelopment plan to include inflation has been recommended.

·       Bermuda Connectivity. Positive news was reported with the new bridge open to pedestrians and cyclists, with vehicular traffic to be introduced by early next calendar year.

·       Greenman Crossroads. This scheme had been in development for a long period of time. This project was in the final stages of completion however there were some concerns around the signage aspects. This last part of the project needs to be pushed through as quickly as possible to bring it to conclusion.

The following questions and comments were submitted, with responses provided as indicated:

In response to Councillor M Humphreys, who asked a question regarding Greenman crossroads, Councillor Matecki (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) agreed that signage had been an issue. However more signage had been put in place not only at the junction but also in the lead up to the junction giving motorists advanced warning. Councillor Watson (Portfolio Holder for Economy) added that this had been a great scheme however it had not been completed fully with remedial works required. The Chair agreed that signage needed to be updated and fixed as soon as possible.

In response to Councillor D’Arcy, who asked about when a public inquiry in Shall Hall 2024 would be advertised. Tristan Hall advised that he would take the question away and report back to the Committee at a later date with a response.

Councillor M Humphreys commented on the Eastboro Way pedestrian crossing. The Chair asked for clarification and questioned if there were any planned light installation on the Eastboro Way/Crow Hill junction rather than just a pedestrian crossing. Tristan Hall advised he would investigate this and would report back to the Committee.

Councillor Fradgley commented that Phase 2 of Birmingham Road was due to start soon and requested that Phase 3 commenced right after Phase 2’s completion without a long gap in between the two. The road was unsafe and dangerous to cyclists. Councillor Tim Sinclair endorsed Councillor Fradley’s comment and remarked that this work was essential and needed to be implemented quickly and/or impressive roadworks needed to be undertaken. Tristan Hall acknowledged the points. The ultimate decision maker was the network management team with input from the various project sponsors. He was making the case to those who made the decision bearing in mind that there were lots of different areas that needed consulting for this to be done. Mark Ryder (Executive director for Communities) also commented, adding that he was happy to engage with network management.