Council Leader Seeks Updates on Postponed £38m Bridge Project

A local authority leader has called for consistent progress reports concerning a postponed bridge initiative, amidst allegations of “secrecy” and “mismanagement.” The £38 million bridge, intended to span the A46 Stoneleigh Junction, was originally scheduled for completion by summer 2022. Nevertheless, a separate bridge, designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Kenilworth, is still not in use across the thoroughfare. Izzi Seccombe, the leader of Warwickshire County Council, sought these updates subsequent to Richard Dickson, a Warwick district councillor, delivering a severe critique of the undertaking during a meeting held on Thursday. The West Midlands Combined Authority, having contributed £6.6 million to the project, has already intervened in the disagreement by requesting a progress report. This report disclosed the existence of a “contractual dispute” between the county council and its contractors, Colas, further complicated by difficulties in obtaining certain materials. The document repeatedly emphasized Warwickshire County Council’s accountability for any cost overruns, which the county presently estimates at £4.6 million, prior to proposing a new estimated completion date of “mid-2025”, a timeframe on which the county has not yet issued a public statement. Dickson stated: “The continued problems with this huge project, and the continued secrecy surrounding it, undermines trust in the council and in its elected representatives,” adding, “This project is an icon of council mismanagement. In due course, others will be able to show they can do better but for now, surely it’s time to come clean with the public and to come up with some answers as to what on earth is going on.” Addressing several inquiries regarding the project, Seccombe responded: “I am aware you have been here twice and I think it is of particular interest to a number of people, so I am looking at an opportunity to ensure we have a running update of questions and responses that we can give for all local people. “That is something I have asked for so please bear with me to set that one in motion.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service, which reports on local authorities and other public service entities, compiled this news. For additional content, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire can be followed on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material on external sites. Details on our external linking policy are available.