THE BATTLE against congestion around University Hospital is set to resume after plans for more road changes were drawn up.
Traffic problems have plagued the Walsgrave site for years but bosses hope the latest proposals will ease concerns.
However, it will mean more roadworks hitting Coventry over the next 10 months in a city already littered with changes to the road network.
Details to go on show to the public next week will see alterations to two roundabouts, including one that was branded a death trap by a local councillor after a spate of car crashes.
The Hinckley Road and Brade Drive junction – by the Mount Pleasant pub – will be made bigger with a dedicated right-hand created for inbound traffic.
The Observer reported on calls for action back in October 2012 after a car ploughed into the pub, with Henley councillor Ed Ruane claiming the island was too small and did not leave enough room for manoeuvre.
Also in the pipeline are plans to build a new road through the centre of the roundabout at Ansty Road and Clifford Bridge, with the aim of helping traffic towards the city centre. All arms of the roundabout will be controlled by traffic lights.
New toucan crossings will also be installed in Ansty Road to help cyclists while two existing crossings in Clifford Bridge Road will be upgraded.
Woodway Lane will be widened to two lanes towards the traffic lights – although work will not start until a separate batch of roadworks are finished – and a new slip lane will be built into the first hospital car park.
However, the changes may not be finished until March 2015 and people living near the hospital have been called on to give their views at the exhibition of the plans on Tuesday, June 3 between 4pm and 7pm.
Coun Kevin Maton, one of the ward councillors, said: “I’ve made it clear all along that it is really important that local people are involved and understand what is planned and give their input.
“This will help ensure any disruption during the works is minimised. We want resident views so we really improve the situation for those living nearby, working and visiting the hospital.”
New University Hospital traffic measure are aimed at reducing congestion and making it easier for ambulances get in. Picture by Jon Mullis 13.012.043.cov.jm1
