Coventry’s Ring Road Is Britain’s Most Disorienting City Loop
Coventry’s ring road is a unique urban loop, stretching 2.25 miles (3.6 km) with nine junctions around the city centre. Its design has earned it the nickname the “Concrete Collar” due to how it encircles the urban core, creating a distinct and sometimes disorienting driving experience. The elevated flyovers and underpasses act as a physical barrier, isolating the city centre from its surroundings, while still serving as an iconic example of post-war urban planning.
Where is Coventry Ring Road?
The ring road is located in the heart of Coventry, West Midlands, England, forming a continuous loop around the city centre and connecting major arterial roads. It was planned as part of post-WWII rebuilding efforts after the Coventry Blitz, reflecting the city’s ambition to manage rapidly increasing traffic flows with pioneering designs.
Why is it called the Concrete Collar?
The ring road’s circular design, elevated sections, and shared entry/exit ramps create a disorienting experience for unfamiliar drivers. Reddit users describe it as: “a full-size real life Scalextric track” and “vehicles sharing the same exit/entry ramp is mental. You get used to it after a while but it's very unnerving when you first use it.”
The “Collar” aspect comes from its physical and visual isolation of the city centre, leaving pedestrians and cyclists disadvantaged, while the continuous flyovers and underpasses give drivers a roller-coaster-like experience. Some consider it an architectural icon and symbol of Coventry’s innovative post-war spirit, while others criticize it as a clumsy barrier that limits the city’s organic growth.
How long is the road?
The full loop stretches 2.25 miles (3.6 km) with nine junctions, looping tightly around the city centre and providing efficient urban circulation once mastered. It was completed in 1974 and features a largely grade-separated dual carriageway with numerous flyovers and underpasses.
Is it worth driving?
For those interested in urban driving challenges, Coventry Ring Road is iconic. Its unusual layout, continuous curves, shared ramps, and unique concrete architecture make it a memorable experience for both local and visiting drivers. The road continues to be a point of debate, with discussions about reducing its footprint, improving pedestrian and cyclist access, or even transforming parts into an elevated park, reflecting the city’s ongoing evolution.