A449 Stafford Road facing 18-month long round of roadworks on way
A major roadworks scheme lasting 18 months had been announced to improve a busy section of the A449.
Changes will be made to the road between Junction 2 of the M54, at Fordhouses, and Springfield Lane.
Residents and businesses in the area will be consulted on the details of the scheme before it gets underway in September.
Council bosses say they will seek to minimise disruption while the works are carried out.
The aim is to improve access to i54, the Wolverhampton Business Park, and the Junction 2 employment area.
The scheme is expected to be funded by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership ‘Local Growth Fund’.
Councillor Steve Evans, Wolverhampton council's cabinet member for city environment, said: “Our highways improvements programme is making a big difference to the transport network in the City of Wolverhampton.
“The Stafford Road Area Action Plan (AAP) and the emerging South Staffordshire Site Allocation Document (SAD) present significant opportunities for improved and additional employment land along the A449 corridor and to the north of the city, including the next phase of development at i54.
“It is vitally important the road network matches those ambitions and supports businesses and jobs growth in the area.
“We are working closely with businesses and residents to ensure we deliver a scheme that benefits everyone and, as always, we will aim to minimise disruption.”
The main works include the reduction of the existing central reservation and western service road verge.
The scheme will also deliver additional right turn lanes intended to improve safety and reduce delays; increased vehicle capacity at junctions, including dedicated turn lanes; improved linkage of traffic signals, including at M54 Junction 2; improved pedestrian crossings; enhanced cycle facilities along the length of the scheme; and traffic noise reduction through the use of low-noise surfacing.
It will involve the loss of a significant number of mature trees and the council is asking for residents and businesses to help identify suitable alternative locations for new landscaping and tree planting in the local area.
A drop-in session to see more details and discuss the scheme will be held on April 18, at St James Church, Taunton Avenue, Fordhouses between 2pm and 8pm.
For further information or to send a comment call the council on 01902 551155 or email transport.strategy@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
