Roadworks cause havoc in Warwick

Buy photos » Roadworks are causing chaos for motorist attempting to get into Warwick town centre. Picture by Jon Mullis 18.012.005.leam.jm1

ROADWORKS causing havoc in the centre of Warwick have been branded “ridiculous and dangerous” by disgruntled motorists and residents.

The restrictions, which have closed off several key roads and turned many main streets into one-way only routes, are causing long tailbacks. The Observer has been contacted by many frustrated motorists.

One woman said her journey from Whitnash into work in Warwick – which normally took seven minutes – was currently taking over 45 minutes, saying the roadworks were "ridiculous and dangerous".

Our photographer Jon Mullis, who took these pictures of some of the problems yesterday, added: “The short journey from Myton Road to Warwick Castle took half an hour and this wasn't even in rush hour so I would not like to have been there then.

“The problem is you have to go through the town centre of Warwick to get anywhere so many people don't have any choice but to sit in the queues.”

Warwickshire County Council, the local highways authority, reacted to the chaos by putting out a statement on its website yesterday.

It said it was asking motorists to “remain patient” while work continues on making Warwick town centre more user-friendly for pedestrians.

The statement added: “A decision was taken on Wednesday to close The Butts northbound at short notice in a bid to ease rush-hour congestion in the town caused by diversions and high volumes of vehicles from returning schools, inclement weather and a road traffic accident.

“The Butts will remain closed to northbound traffic until the end of next month to act as a pressure valve while the works continue in High Street and Jury Street. Businesses remain open as normal and it is anticipated that traffic patterns will settle down as motorists return to normal routes and adjust journey times.

“The county council will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum and ask that people bear with us while the work is completed. The road closures and diversions will be continually under review.”

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