A scheme to improve a notorious junction on the Leicester/Warwickshire border has been welcomed by highways specialists at Lafarge.
The government plan to plough £150 million into tackling the Catthorpe Interchange, the meeting point of the M1, M6 and A14 and an infamous pinch point for congestion and crashes.
Shaun Davidson, managing director of the asphalt and contracting arm of Lafarge Aggregates & Concrete UK, says the project will be good for local businesses and benefit road users.
He said:
“Catthorpe has long been a problem for motorists both from a safety point of view and because of regular tailbacks so this announcement is really good news.
“Ensuring a more efficient flow through of traffic will be a boon for business both locally and across the country as this is an important section of the motorway network. Drivers will also be safer which is obviously a key element of the project.
“Of course a more immediate benefit will be the contractors and materials suppliers, like ourselves, who will be able to tender for involvement in the scheme and, if successful, be able to secure jobs and boost their own business.”
The Catthorpe project is part of a wider programme of £1 billion of investment in the Highways Agency’s infrastructure agenda over the next three years.
Roads Minister Mike Penning said:
“The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement confirmed how important an efficient transport network is to driving economic growth in this country – whether by getting staff to work, suppliers to business or goods to market.”
He added the Highways Agency was working on a detailed programme for the project including a start date. A public inquiry into the scheme must be held before work can begin.
