Craig Tracey, Member of Parliament for North Warwickshire has welcomed the announcement during the Budget for the funding of the upgrade of the A5.
The Budget confirms that the A5 will become a full dual carriageway from the M42, junction 10 to Hinckley.
Craig has long campaigned for improved infrastructure locally and upgrading the A5 was a key pledge in his campaign for re-election at the recent election.
The announcement came as Parliament gathered yesterday afternoon for the annual budget statement from the Chancellor, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP which also included spending commitments to curb the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak and to abolish business rates for small businesses over the next year.
As a former Roman road, the current A5 is ill-equipped to support the usage currently demanded of it, with around 25,000 vehicles using the route daily at peak times. Many residents have highlighted their concerns and frustrations at the current state of the road and the upgrade should increase capacity and in turn, reduce congestion making all journeys faster and more convenient.
Aside from making journeys quicker, it is expected that the upgrade will also improve motorist safety. At present, the A5 frequently moves between single and dual-carriageways and by building one continuous dual-carriageway, it is hoped this will reduce the risk of road traffic accidents, simultaneously keeping motorists safer and the traffic moving.
The announcement also provides a significant boost to the local economy. Both Birch Coppice and Core 42 business parks are key employers in the A5 corridor in this area and this announcement should only signal greater investment from existing businesses, as well as attracting new firms and new jobs to North Warwickshire.
Craig Tracey MP commented:
‘I am delighted to hear the announcement from the Chancellor that the funding for the upgrade of the A5 between junction 10 of the M42 and Hinckley has been confirmed.
I know from speaking to residents that improvements to the A5 has been a priority for many. The A5 is an integral part of our local area and the upgrade will have a real tangible effect for local people. The dual carriageway should drastically increase the capacity of the road and make journeys smoother, quicker and safer by reducing congestion and road traffic accidents.
Upgrading the infrastructure network in North Warwickshire and Bedworth has been a key priority for me during my time as MP and the announcement today marks a key milestone in this effort.
The confirmation of the go-ahead for the project provides an exciting boost for our local economy and I am pleased that, as part of the Government’s efforts to ‘level up’ the country, they recognise the importance of kick-starting and supporting the Midlands Engine, of which the A5 is such a key facilitator, supporting 10% of all jobs in the Midlands.
It is important to note that this announcement will have a far-reaching effect and I am sure I am not alone in welcoming this exciting announcement for our region. I have been working on securing this funding for several years and have worked alongside a group of Midlands MPs and I know that their constituents will also benefit hugely from this project.
Councillor David Humphreys – Leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council commented:
‘This is wonderful news, the A5 has been a major issue for residents for many years, the significant growth of both domestic and commercial building has made congestion an ever-increasing problem.
The Local Development Plan is awaiting Inspector approval which totally relies on the improvement of the A5 infrastructure throughout the borough.
The announcement to fund this much-needed improvement of the A5 will bring much relief and future residents are able to enjoy the benefit of living in North Warwickshire.’
