A new £106 million road improvement project has been officially opened in Coventry.

The scheme at Tollbar End was delivered by Galliford Try on behalf of Highways England.

The development involved creating free-flowing traffic to reduce the volume of traffic using the Tollbar End roundabout by providing a two-lane dual carriageway underpass link and a larger layout designed to reduce congestion.

In addition, a new footbridge has been built across the River Sowe to accommodate a new footpath and cycleway, while new gantries have been installed on the A45 Stonebridge Highway and A46 Kenilworth Bypass, south of Stivichall junction.


Jarrod Parkin, Galliford Try Project Director, said: "Officially opened on March 17 the scheme marks the culmination of a huge undertaking that began over 10 years ago when we originally tendered the scheme as part of the West Midlands junction improvement package.

"We started on site in August 2013 with advance works including statutory undertakers diversions. Despite some technical challenges we still managed to open the scheme, releasing the benefits before last Christmas in line with the government deadline which is a testament to the hard work and flexibility of the team."

Highways England Chairman Colin Matthews said: "Tollbar End's completion is fantastic news for motorists. It is a key hub in the Midlands road network and the scheme is already providing the benefits of smoother journeys between the important north-south routes. The opening of the underpass has improved traffic flow and alleviated congestion at what was once an historic bottleneck."

(LM/MH)