A multi-million-pound scheme to ease congestion and boost economic growth in the Midlands has been approved, clearing the way for construction of the A46 Walsgrave junction upgrade.

Lord Hendy, acting on behalf of Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the project, which forms part of the key Trans-Midlands Trade Corridor linking the M5 to Humber Ports. The A46 is a major trade route connecting inland manufacturing and distribution hubs with ports and supporting millions of journeys each year.

The Walsgrave junction currently operates as a three-arm priority roundabout, creating significant congestion. The upgrade will deliver a free-flowing A46 carriageway while maintaining access to the local road network.

-- Advertisement --

National Highways Project Manager Emma Winter said: "Motorways and major A roads play a key role in keeping the UK economy moving, carrying a third of all traffic and two thirds of freight. The A46 is a major trade corridor between the South West, the Midlands and the North, which is why we need to remove this bottleneck on the outskirts of Coventry.

"The new-look Walsgrave junction will reduce delays by delivering much-needed additional capacity, better connectivity and safer journeys for the 57,000 drivers using the road every day."

Construction is expected to begin in autumn 2026, with the £112 million scheme scheduled to open to traffic in 2028. The project aims to improve connectivity to employment centres, giving people access to more job opportunities and helping businesses draw from a wider pool of talent.

Classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project under the Planning Act 2008, the A46 Walsgrave upgrade required a DCO to move forward. There is now a six-week period during which parties can lodge an intention to legally challenge the decision.