Three-week HS2 road closures threaten campus commuter chaos

Students returning for the spring term are set to face commuter carnage as a key road between campus and Leamington Spa closes for three weeks.  

The road closures come as a result of phased works on the HS2 railway line running under the A46 near Kenilworth. Currently, a box structure is being constructed adjacently to the carriageway which will later house the new HS2 line. 

The three-week closure, set for the spring, is needed to move the structure into place using a “box push” technique across the existing carriageway. HS2 has defended the road closures on its website. 

It stated: “This construction method reduces the impact on road users and our workforce by working away from the carriageway and only installing traffic management on the A46 when it is essential.” 

Temporary northbound and southbound lane restrictions will be put in place [along the A46] until spring

To facilitate the “box push”, preparatory works were completed in two phases in 2024, clearing vegetation and installing construction infrastructure. 

Phase three of the project, set for February, consists of drainage works alongside and under the existing carriageway to prepare for the movement of the bridge in spring.  

Temporary northbound and southbound lane restrictions will be put in place as part of this along the carriageway until spring.  

Additionally, a section of the A46 between the start of Coventry and Kenilworth will be closed for two weekends: between 8pm Friday, 7 February to 6am Monday, 10 February, and again from 8pm Friday, 14 February to 6am Monday, 17 February.  

Students across campus have already expressed concern about their route to campus being impacted by the works.  

Students have enough on their plate already and further roadworks are just adding to the academic, economic, and personal stresses of our lives

Jasper Young, final-year English Literature and Creative Writing student

Final-year English Literature and Creative Writing student Jasper Young displayed his discontent towards the roadworks when talking to The Boar. 

He said: “As a third-year student, trying to balance a job and society responsibilities alongside my degree is difficult enough. Having to plan for a commute to campus which can take nearly as long as the train from Leamington to London is beyond frustrating.” 

He added: “Students have enough on their plate already and further roadworks are just adding to the academic, economic, and personal stresses of our lives. It’s sad to see that there’s seemingly never any end in sight for them.” 

The expected road closures have left many students, like Jasper, wondering if public transport services will be disrupted. Bus operator Stagecoach currently runs the popular U1 and U2 services between Leamington and campus. 

Chris Child, a spokesperson for the company, told The Boar: “Due to the closure of the A46 for HS2 construction, we anticipate potential disruption to our services. The extent of the impact will largely depend on traffic volume and the diversion routes taken by other road users during the closure. 

We are committed to minimising disruption as much as possible; However, we strongly advice passengers to allow extra time for their journeys

Chris Child, Stagecoach spokesperson

“For the weekend closure in February, our U1/U2 services will operate via Kenilworth and the A429.” 

He added: “We are committed to minimising disruption as much as possible; However, we strongly advice passengers to allow extra time for their journeys.” 

Little has been said for the upcoming three-week long spring road closures, with Stagecoach adding: “We are currently awaiting further details regarding the spring closure and will keep passengers informed as more information becomes available.” 

Those living in Coventry seem to have drawn the lucky straw when it comes to the chaos of commuting to campus, with an upcoming £140 million project set to modernise Coventry’s bus fleet for 2025. 

For those in Leamington Spa, however, it remains unclear what impacts the new road closures will have on students hoping to get to lectures on time, and whether existing commuter misery will only get worse.