£19 million plans announced for sustainable transport routes in South Coventry

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has announced that it is currently in the process of formulating plans for new cycling, walking and bus routes to serve one of Coventry’s major development and growth areas. This endeavour has been made possible by the recent allocation of over half a million pounds in funding for the design and development works.

The primary objective of the funding is to support the creation of sustainable transport links in the expanding employment region located south of the city, which encompasses the Battery Industrialisation Centre and the proposed site for a new gigafactory. In addition, the funding aims to establish green transport connections to significant new housing developments at the Whitley Pumping Station and Allard Way sites.

The scheme will entail the development of several key elements, including a segregated cycle route from Toll Bar End to Coventry City Centre, the re-modelling of crucial road junctions to enhance bus journey times and provide safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as the establishment of new walking and cycling routes at the Asda roundabout in Whitley.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is working closely with Coventry City Council to implement these improvements, which will offer local residents and workers greener transport options while supporting the new economic and housing development in the area.

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A significant portion of the funding, amounting to £17 million, has been secured from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement awarded to TfWM by WMCA in 2022. This funding is being supplemented by contributions from developers along the key growth corridor.

Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of WMCA, Andy Street, said: “We’ve already seen funding earmarked for a range of projects with many already underway across our rail, bus, metro and active travel networks. South Coventry is one area set to benefit – with this City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement package making it safer and easier for local people to walk, cycle and enjoy improved bus services – reducing traffic congestion at the same time as helping our health and environment.”

The allocated funding will enable the progression of scheme design work, with the aim of commencing construction on the first elements of the package in late 2023, with a targeted completion date of 2026.

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council, said: “The investment in dedicated, segregated cycle routes is a key priority for Coventry.  They are good for linking people to jobs in the most sustainable way possible, brilliant for public health and of course for the environment. This new route will complement the cycle routes already being built in other parts of the city, and will help people living in the Whitley and Willenhall areas of the city to access jobs, shops and schools by bike and on foot.”