A £112m roads scheme designed to boost the economy by tackling congestion in the Midlands has been given the green light. 

Lord Hendy, on behalf of the secretary of state for transport Heidi Alexander, has approved a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the A46 Walsgrave junction upgrade project, which is part of the crucial Trans-Midlands Trade Corridor between the M5 and Humber Ports. 

The A46 is one of the UK’s major trade routes, serving millions of people, supporting jobs, and connecting inland manufacturing and distribution hubs with major ports.

The Walsgrave junction connects the A46 to the B4082 and is currently a three-arm priority roundabout, which causes substantial congestion in the area. The new-look junction will allow for a free flowing A46 carriageway while also enabling drivers to enter and exit the local road network. 

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 on the Walsgrave junction is expected to begin in autumn 2026, with the £112m scheme opening to traffic in 2028.  

Policy lead for RHA, which represents road hauliers, James Barwise, said: “We welcome the decision to give consent for the A46 Walsgrave Junction upgrade. The A46 is a vital strategic road for hauliers, coaches and vans, connecting businesses and ports either side of the country. 

“Schemes such as this and the emerging A46 Newark Bypass are critical to ensuring that this route supports the frictionless movement of goods and unlocks economic growth for businesses across the Midlands.”

The scheme is categorised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project under the Planning Act 2008, meaning it required an application for a DCO to obtain the equivalent of planning permission to move into the construction phase. 

There is now a six-week period in which parties can lodge an intention to legally challenge the decision.