We got it wrong, say council chiefs after Whitley flyover traffic chaos

COUNCIL chiefs admitted they “got it wrong” after overnight roadworks over-ran by nearly three hours - causing commuter chaos.

Motorists were left stuck in miles of tailbacks in every direction off the London Road during Thursday’s rush hour while workmen cleaned the road after overnight roadworks.

The A46 Whitley flyover was closed overnight on Wednesday into Thursday for structural work, but it failed to reopen as scheduled at 6am.

It took until 9am before the route reopened - causing traffic to back-up from the A46 flyover slip road to junction four of the ring road.

Traffic was queuing from Foleshill Road towards London Road, and then past the train station and even backing up towards IKEA in the rush hour queues.

One commuter got in touch and told the Telegraph he was told that workmen were clearing weeds.

He said: “I was trying to get from Bedworth to Leamington Spa. When I got to Gulson Road in Coventry traffic was tailed back the whole length of Gulson Road. The city was at a gridlock (Terry Road, Humber Road, Gulson Road, the ringroad back to SkyDome). “When I eventually got to Allen Ford I saw a sign saying that Whitley flyover would be shut overnight for next few days, opening at 6am. As I got to the Whitley flyover there were vehicles on the flyover and no workers. “I asked if they’d forgotten to open it at 6am and he made some excuse about workers having difficulties clearing weeds. It was a coincidence that I’d just rang to complain and strange that nobody was visible on bridge.” Coventry City Council admit- ted a mistake was made.

A spokesman said: “The Whitley Flyover was closed overnight for some structural work and, in line with our usual policy, we took the opportunity to carry out some cleaning and tidying up once the work was completed. This is done at the same time to try and lessen any impact on motorists, but unfortunately on this occasion the work was not completed by the agreed time of 6am.

“We do try and carry out as much maintenance as possible at night or outside peak hours, so we can continue to improve our roads and make life better for motorists with as little disruption as possible, but unfortunately this time we got it wrong. It was a mistake on our part and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Unfortunately this time we got it wrong... it was a mistake on our part and we apologise...