A46 Stoneleigh Junction being 're-designed' as costs expected to continue to rise for over-budget project

By James Smith 7th Dec 2024

The 'bridge to nowhere' was installed at Stoneleigh in early 2023 (image via WCC)
The 'bridge to nowhere' was installed at Stoneleigh in early 2023 (image via WCC)

The major infrastructure project at the A46 Stoneleigh Junction has been "re-designed" as the council and its contractors continue to struggle to find the necessary materials.

Costs for the already over-budget and much-delayed works around the A46 are also expected to continue to rise, as Warwickshire County Council (WCC) is yet to give a new finish dat eon the project.

Originally expected to cost £38 million, the council has already revealed the project is estimated to cost at least £4,673,000 more than originally expected.

And now the local authority has released the first update on the project in over a year.

"There have been delays with the completion of the scheme as the council and our on-site contractor have been working through a variety of technical challenges against a backdrop of rising material and labour costs," the update said.

"It has proved impossible to obtain the specific backfill material required for placement behind the abutments on the new A46 bridge.

"Whilst an alternative material was identified, the quantities needed could not be provided. This has further delayed progress.

"The council, National Highways (who will ultimately take ownership of the bridge) and the contractor have been developing a re-design for the bridge wingwalls that will allow the use of other types of backfill material.

"Developing the new design involves considering changes.

"We need to minimise any extra costs and delay to road users, whilst analysing how design changes impact the elements of the structure that have already been constructed and that meet the requirements of National Highways. 

"Please be assured we are doing all we can to move this forward as quickly as possible."

The new bridge deck - referred to as the "bridge to nowhere" by councillors - was installed in January 2023, but remains unconnected with the council repeatedly blaming supply issues on the delays over the last two years.

     

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