Relief as major route set to reopen on time
HS2 works that have closed a major Warwickshire road for almost three weeks are on target to finish on time, the Highways Agency says.
A stretch of the A46 near Kenilworth has been shut since 11 April while a 14,500-tonne box structure was installed underneath it, causing major disruption for motorists.
The agency said it was "very confident" the route would reopen as planned at 06:00 BST on Thursday.
Spokesperson Victoria Lazenby thanked residents for their patience and said the significant stage of the work was "soon to be completed".
Two lanes will reopen on both north and southbound carriageways between the Stivichall Interchange (Festival Island) and the Thickthorn Island, with a 50mph (80.4km/h) speed limit in place.
A single-lane closure on both sides of the carriageway is expected to remain until July.
John McNiff, project director at HS2 contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci, said workers removed 200m (218.7yd) of road then dug out the equivalent of 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools of material.
The box structure, which was built on site, was then pushed 213ft (65m) into place, he added, and a bridge brought in to "millimetre precision" so the carriageway could be rebuilt over the top.
Cameron Thomas from HS2 has worked on the project for seven years and said the installation of the bridge was a "career high".
"I'm smiling from ear to ear because the level of anxiety I felt when it was being pushed was through the roof," he said.
He described the precision of its design and installation as "incredible", adding: "It was overwhelming to witness and a hugely proud moment for me."
Road users and residents have complained of disruption while the signed diversion route is in place.
Chris Patting, who lives in Kenilworth, said the traffic had been "quite shocking" and it was "difficult to get anywhere in the car".
"The junction of New Street, Bridge Street, High Street and Fieldgate Lane is the worst, with huge HGVs trying to get through there and causing a huge pile-up," she said.
Another resident, Mike Hull, said he had seen cars driving on the footpath and been avoiding going into town "at all costs" due to the diversion route.
"The HGVs are really struggling to get round the small streets. As a pedestrian, it's a bit of run to get into the park for safety," he added.
Ms Lazenby said she knew the people of Kenilworth and Stoneleigh would have "felt it the most", but added the works were "on track" to be completed by Thursday.
Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
'HS2 road closures mean staff can't get to work'
Coach company dreading delays amid road closure
Three-week A46 closure for HS2 'will disrupt town'
Drivers warned of three-week A46 closure
HS2
Balfour Beatty Vinci
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
What is an RV mattress and how do you choose the right one for you?
You don't need to leave good rest in the rearview mirror when you head onto the open road — from cheap air beds to luxury organic RV mattresses, your motorhome can be a sleep sanctuary. While only a handful of the best mattresses you can buy online come in RV sizes, this is a rapidly expanding market and in this guide we're exploring the ins and outs of RV mattresses, including cost, sizes and materials. But before we get started, the most important part of choosing any RV mattress is getting the measurements right, So break out the tape measure and let's get going. An RV mattress is a specialist mattress designed to fit the smaller living spaces of an RV. Admittedly, RV beds often come with a mattress already installed but these are generally thin, inexpensive builds that provide minimum comfort. A good RV mattress will pair the quality and support features of a standard residential mattress with the necessary restrictions resulting from an RV (size, weight) for a bed setup that will provide better sleep wherever your motorhome takes you. RV mattresses and regular residential mattresses have a lot in common, including the materials used to make these beds. However, RV mattresses differ from the beds in your home in two key areas: size and weight. Standard mattress sizes typically range from twin to Cal king (although you can find variations and unusual sizes, including the massive Alaskan king and the wide Olympic queen.) But RV mattresses need to fit smaller, and often unusually shaped, living quarters. For that reason, RV mattresses tend to have less width and length than standard residential beds. (We'll dive into this more below.) In terms of weight, RV mattresses are, on the whole, lighter than their residential counterparts for an important reason. All RVs come with a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and / or a GTWR (Gross Trailer Weight Rating) which determines how much weight the RV can safely carry. That includes all cargo, fuel, passengers and, yes, mattresses. A heavy residential mattress can contribute a lot of weight to your RVs overall gross amount, meaning you might have to cut back on cargo to avoid exceeding your limits. RV mattresses, on the other hand, use less dense material to create a lighter build, reducing the weight added to your motorhome. RV mattress sizes often share a name with their at-home equivalents but that doesn't mean these sizes are interchangeable. We highly recommend measuring your space and double checking the dimensions before purchasing an RV mattress. To misquote an old saying: measure twice, buy once, sleep eight hours. Below we've rounded up some of the most common RV mattress widths and lengths but our guide to RV mattress sizes has a full breakdown. Some specialist stores also offer custom RV mattress sizes, ordered to fit your exact need. These are less common (and can come at a premium) but also a surefire way to get the perfect dimensions. Name Width Length RV twin 25" 75 - 80" RV bunk 28 - 35" 75 - 80" RV full 54" 75" Three-quarter 47" 74" RV queen / short queen 60" 75" Queen 60" 80" RV short king 72" 75" RV king 72" 80" RV Cal king 72" 84" Gone are the days when your RV mattress was simply whatever happened to fit the space. Nowadays, RVers can find a mattress to suit their specific sleep needs, ensuring a better night's rest wherever you spend the night. With that in mind, while we typically recommend prioritizing your sleep needs when choosing a mattress, if you're kitting out an RV, a few considerations come first. Measure and measure again before buying an RV mattress to ensure your new bed will fit the space available. Then double-check those measurements against the dimensions listed by your chosen retailer. Depth is also an important consideration when choosing an RV mattress. We typically recommend a mattress thickness of 10 inches for an adult but in an RV, a thinner mattress might be easier to move (and less dominating in the space.) A thinner mattress is also likely to weigh less (although it's not a guarantee, as materials also contribute to weight.) But depth is a good way to add some coziness and pressure relief to your mattress, so weigh up the dimensions carefully... and literally. Check the weight of the mattress before you buy, so you can factor it into your GVWR. As with standard mattresses, RV mattresses are available in a variety of types and builds. They tend to be thinner (and therefore use fewer layers) than a residential mattress, but the most common types include: In a standard bedroom we recommend leaving several feet of space around the bed and the walls. In an RV, you might not have this luxury which can make unboxing, setting up and making the bed difficult. For that reason, we recommend choosing a lighter, thinner mattress for your RV. This will allow you to navigate the bed with (relative) ease. We also recommend buying a mattress that's easy to clean, so you can keep your sleep space shipshape. A mattress protector is a must for quick cleans. RV mattresses are becoming increasingly common with many of our favorite brands now offering RV sizes alongside the standard collection. We've rounded up some of our favorites below. We also recommend exploring third-party retailers, such as Amazon, Walmart and Wayfair, where you can often find good deals on affordable RV mattresses. Camping and outdoor retailers are another good option — check out the Cozyway selection at Camping World — particularly for inflatable designs. Brooklyn Bedding RV mattressesMany models in Brooklyn Bedding's mattress line-up are available in RV sizes, offering a diverse choice to suit your sleep needs. Our top RV pick is the DreamFoam Essential mattress, an affordable all-foam bed with a whopping 22 size options and five heights to choose from. GhostBed RV mattressesFrom the brand behind some of our favorite cooling mattresses, GhostBed's RV collection features both all-foam and hybrid designs. A good choice if you're traveling around warmer climates. PlushBeds RV mattressesKnown for both its luxury and organic designs, PlushBeds RV mattresses are for those who want their camper to feel like a home away from home — there's even an organic latex option for those who want eco-luxury sleep. As the variety of RV mattresses has expanded so has the potential price point — there's an RV bed for almost every budget. The cheapest RV mattresses are typically inflatable air beds. You can pick up a short queen air bed for around $50 to $150, but keep in mind these inexpensive options have reduced longevity. Innerspring RV mattresses are another affordable choice, while all-foam mattresses encompass a wide price bracket: expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $950 for a short queen, with depth an important factor in price. At the other end of the scale are hybrid and latex RV mattresses. A short queen can cost between $350 (for a thin hybrid) to upwards of $1,000 (for an organic latex mattress.) ✅ You have an unusual bed size: The primary reason for choosing an RV mattress is the size, as these specialist beds are designed for the confined spaced of a motorhome. ✅ You use your RV regularly: If you spend a lot of time in your RV, choosing a mattress that properly fits the space and your sleep needs will make your trips more comfortable. ✅ A standard size mattress doesn't quite fit: We love a bargain — just check out our mattress sales hub — but forcing an ultra-cheap or second hand standard size mattress into a non-standard space risks damaging the interior, causing it to degrade faster. The result? Spending more on a replacement. ❌ You have space for a standard size mattress: While you don't have to avoid RV mattresses, if your motorhome has room for a standard bed size, you'll have more options to choose from. ❌ You don't spend much time overnight in your RV: For quick trips and overnight stays, you might be able to get away with the mattress pre-installed in the RV (or a sleeping bag.) ❌ You're on a very tight budget: If a new mattress is too high an expense, consider investing in one of our favorite mattress toppers instead. Measuring roughly two to four inches tall, a topper can add a layer of much needed comfort to your regulation RV bed.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Miami Herald
Honda Powers Team USA Through LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games
At an event at American Honda Headquarters in Torrance, CA, American Honda President and CEO Kazuhiro Takizawa was joined by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, LA28 representatives, community business partners, as well as Olympic and Paralympic stars to celebrate their announcement the automaker's support and expanding involvement in the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic games. On top of being a founding partner with LA28, the Japanese automaker is taking its support a step further. Honda will deliver a fleet of accessible vehicles, along with a "wide range of mobility products," and will also donate $1 million over a multi-year period to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic participants who require support. This support also extends to the athletes participating in the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina. "Honda will help the world's greatest athletes pursue their dreams in 2028 as a Founding Partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Honda, which established its first U.S. operations in Los Angeles in June 1959, will also serve as the Official Automotive Partner of Team USA, supporting the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams during the LA28 Games and upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026," the company said in a statement. Both Honda's and Acura's lineups will be represented in the donation roster. The upcoming all-electric Honda 0-series EVs and the upcoming Acura RSX EV will be deployed alongside the funky, folding Honda Motocompacto e-scooter, side-by-sides, and motorcycles. Honda and Acura vehicles will also be the only models used as pace cars for endurance events during the games. Back in 1959, Honda opened its first U.S. store in Los Angeles, CA, selling scooters and motorcycles. In many ways, they endeared themselves to the community while establishing a foothold in the United States. Angelinos like me grew up knowing that Honda was deeply ingrained in the SoCal culture, so it's nice to see them embrace such an event with so much dedication and devotion. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Miami Herald
Lucid Launches Killer 2025 Air Lease Offer for June
The Lucid Air is one of the standout candidates in the EV segment, with attractive looks, impressive specs, and plenty of space to boot. If you've been waiting for the right time to see what all the hype is about, Lucid is now offering up to $31,500 off the Air, but you better move fast, as the offer ends at the end of June. The lease offers for the 2026 Lucid Air are nationwide, meaning that regardless of where you live in the U.S., you'll be able to save a Scrooge McDuck-sized bag of cash. The Lucid Air Pure is available for $519/month for 36 months with $3,639 due at signing and up to $21,500 off split between a $2,000 on-site bonus, a $2,000 conquest bonus, a $10,000 Air Credit, and a $7,500 EV Credit. Step up to more powerful Lucid Air Touring, and you'll get $539/month for 36 months with $4,079 due at signing and up to $26,500 off split between a $2,000 on-site bonus, a $2,000 conquest bonus, a $15,000 Air Credit, and a $7,500 EV Credit. At the top of the trim tree is the Lucid Air Grand Touring, with a payment of $849/month for 36 months with $6,819 due at signing and up to $31,500 off split between a $2,000 on-site bonus, a $2,000 conquest bonus, a $20,000 Air Credit, and a $7,500 EV Credit. These lease offers end on June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, which is also when you'll need to take delivery of your Air to take advantage of the on-site bonus or Air Credit. The conquest bonus is available to U.S. residents who own or lease an internal combustion or hybrid vehicle from a competitive brand including Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Genesis, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes, Maserati, Porsche, Volvo, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Ineos, Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren, MINI, and Rolls Royce. If you trade in a Tesla, you can even get an additional $4,000 Tesla Trade-in Allowance. Potential lessees who want to save money on the upfront costs can pay $0 at signing, with some adjustments to the monthly payment. We have estimated the monthly payments by spreading the amount at signing over the lease's term. A $0 down payment on a Lucid Air Pure by around $101 per month, for a total payment of ~$620 per month. On a Lucid Air Touring, you'll see a monthly increase of ~$113 for a total payment of ~$652 per month. Lastly, the top Lucid Air Grand Touring would see an increase of ~$189 for a total payment of $1,038 per month. *This $0 down figure is an estimation. Official $0 down lease offers from Lucid may differ based on their specific calculations, credit approval, and potential money factor adjustments. Always obtain a quote directly from Lucid. Even in its base $69,900 Pure trim, the Lucid Air doesn't fail to impress. With a 420-mile range, 430 hp, a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, and a charge to 200 miles time of 17 minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger, it will easily knock many other EVs clear out of the water. Step up to the $78,900 Touring, and those figures jump up significantly in most areas. We're talking a 406-mile range, 620 hp, a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, and a charge to 200 miles time of 16 minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger. Lastly, we have the Grand Touring, with a 512-mile range, 819 hp, a 0-60 mph time of 3.0 seconds, and a charge to 200 miles time of 12 minutes on a 350 kW DC fast charger. Save for a few extra amenities, like a full-length sunroof, all of the Air's trim levels sport tremendous opulence inside, with tasteful wood touches all around. A 34-inch "Glass Cockpit" houses both the digital cluster and the infotainment system, with an optional 21-speaker Surreal Sound Pro sound system filling the cabin with your sweet tunes. Cargo space in the Air is 22.1 cubic feet in the trunk that expands to 64.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and 10 cubic feet in the front trunk. We won't mention the $249,000 Sapphire, as that's in a league all of its own. Lease offers can vary based on location and specific vehicle configuration (trim level, options, etc.) and are subject to credit approval. Advertised payments typically exclude taxes, title, registration, and other potential fees. To take advantage of this offer or to get a precise quote based on your needs (including an official $0 down option), visit the official Lucid website here. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
