End nearly in sight for roadworks on major gateway into Warwick
The end of roadworks to a major gateway into Warwick town centre are nearly in sight, after the project faced several delays.
Work started on the St Johns improvement project in October 2025, which is part of a wider scheme to improve the traffic management of Warwick town centre.
The aim of the work is to make the area able to cope more with the increased traffic levels between Priory Road and St Nicholas Church Street.
However the project has come across several delays.
In December 2025, Warwickshire County Council said the project was ‘running well and to schedule’ and was due to be completed in March.
Then in March, the council said the works had been delayed due to ‘various challenges’ and the end date was pushed to the end of May.
Towards the end of May, it was announced the completion of the works was delayed again, with the council anticipating the scheme would be finished by the end of June.
Although The Courier and Weekly News contacted the council for frequent updates over the summer on the proposed end of the project, no time frames were given – and work continued on site.
The council said some of the delays were caused by the project being ‘paused or adapted’, but it now says October will be the finish line – a year after the project started.
A spokesperson from Warwickshire County Council: “Contractors also agreed to pause or adapt some activities at various stages to accommodate the needs of businesses, community events and vulnerable road users.
“This flexible approach helped maintain access and support local economic activity while work progressed.”
They added: “A particularly successful element of the project has been the partnership with Warwick Chamber of Trade and local businesses to create a new seating and cycle parking area outside the Happy Puccia cafe.
“Following strong support from local businesses, £8,000 was raised through crowdfunding to help deliver the feature, which was completed in June 2026 and is already proving popular with customers and visiting cyclists.”
This week, the council has confirmed the project is ‘nearing completion’ with the main work having been completed, leaving ‘ a small number of final tasks’ to finish up.
Warwickshire County Council said the following parts of the project have now been completed:
- Upgrading the footway and laying new slabs from The Paddocks along the shop frontage facing the service road
- Improvements along Priory Road to enhance pedestrian, wheeling and cycling access to the town centre
- Resurfacing sections of footway
- Alterations to the central islands between St Nicholas Church Street and Priory Road
- Resurfacing of the St John’s central area
- Reconfiguration of parking spaces
- Installation of raised crossings in the service road
- Completion of works on Cross Street
- Upgrades to traffic signals and resurfacing of the carriageway on all approaches to the junction
Speaking about the final parts of the project, a spokesperson from the council said: “The final significant construction task will involve remarking the parking bays in the service road.
“This work will require a full closure of the service road for one day. A date is currently being finalised and businesses and residents will be given at least one week’s notice before the work takes place.
“In addition, a small number of finishing elements, including the installation of street furniture and planting, are scheduled for completion in October.
“These activities are being programmed in line with environmental guidance and seasonal planting requirements and will not cause disruption to traffic, businesses or pedestrians.”
Speaking about the project as a whole, Cllr Stephen Shaw, portfolio holder for transport and planning, said: “The vision for Warwick Town Centre should not be confined to the shops and town centre spaces; the approach to the town also plays a significant part in how Warwick is experienced by residents and visitors alike.
“The area around St John's Junction is an important gateway, not only for commuters, pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Warwick and Leamington, but also for those arriving via the nearby railway station.
“The improvements have created a more attractive, accessible and welcoming environment while supporting local businesses.
“The project has taken slightly longer than we had initially envisaged, largely because we agreed to adapt and pause elements of the programme in response to feedback from businesses, local groups and the wider community.
“That pragmatism and flexibility demonstrates our commitment to listening to stakeholders and delivering improvements in a way that works for local people.
“With the main construction work now complete and only a small number of final tasks remaining, we are looking forward to seeing the full benefits of the scheme for many years to come.”