The project team behind a major road improvement scheme in Stafford is offering assurances that impact on businesses, motorists and residents will be kept to a minimum.
The 12-month scheme will see significant improvements being made on the A34 Lichfield Road between Weeping Cross and the town centre this summer.
The first section starts in July between Weeping Cross and Queensville – around a month after another project to improve the A449 has been completed.
The road will not be fully closed during the project period and exact traffic management arrangements will be confirmed in the near future.
They are set to include temporary traffic lights, one-way systems and night-time closures.
Ahead of the start of works, public engagement events will take place, enabling people to find out more and ask any questions about how and when the works may affect them. Dates and venues are still to be decided and will be publicised nearer the time.
This scheme includes resurfacing and bridge repairs together with new cycleways, pedestrian improvements and upgraded crossings from Weeping Cross to the junction with the A449 roundabout.
The aim is to bring lasting improvements to the road and enhance the walking and cycling network.
It forms part of a £9million package of improvements through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which will see new walking and cycling routes along the A34 in Stafford and Cannock in addition to road repairs.
Work has to be carried out this year due to funding timeframes.
Staffordshire County Council’s strategic cabinet member for highways Mark Deaville said: “While this project will bring considerable and lasting improvements to one of the major routes into Stafford, we understand the concern it will bring in terms of disruption.
“That is why we want to keep fully informed from the earliest stage – giving them accurate and timely information whenever we can.
“We do need to start this summer due to requirements set out in our funding bid and would like to assure people that every effort is being made in the planning to minimise disruption.”
