Roadworks misery again in Leamington as four-month scheme starts

[dutchman]

Leamington Spa has been plagued with delays and queueing traffic since the turn of the year



People living and working in Leamington are braced for yet more roadworks misery. The town has been plagued with delays and queueing traffic since the turn of the year thanks to a near constant stream of roadworks.

Lane closures in Princes Drive and associated diversions caused huge tailbacks along many of the town's busiest routes. Now it's the turn of Bath Street and Spencer Street where lane closures and multiway traffic lights came into force today (May 23) and will remain in place for the next five weeks.

The scheme has been set up to allow new gas pipes to be laid underground. Once phase one is complete, the project will pause for eight weeks; before, during and immediately after the Commonwealth Games, in which Royal Leamington Spa Bowls Club will play a leading role as host of the lawn bowls and para lawn bowls events.

Phase two, due to start on August 27, will involve single lane closures and multiway traffic lights in Russell Terrace and Willies Road for around four weeks. Cadent, which is behind the gas pipe installation, said the traffic management plan had been agreed with Warwickshire County Council to 'minimise disruption'.

Contract support manager Gary Powell said: "We need to install the new main to keep gas flowing safely and reliably, so that local homes can use it for central heating, hot water and for cooking. We would like to thank people for their patience while the work is carried out.

"Every effort will be made to complete this project as soon as possible." The new pipe will be made of a tough plastic material designed to prepare the local network for green gases like hydrogen, which is vital for a ‘net zero’ future.

The gas supply to residents should not be affected during the works and local shops and businesses will remain open as usual, Cadent added.

[dutchman]

It's a shame there wasn't a long period when everyone was forced to stay at home as they could have done it then?