These Wolverhampton streets close for seven months for roadworks
A multi-million pound gas pipe scheme bringing seven months of roadworks to the heart of a city has finally begun.
Cadent’s major project will see drivers in Wolverhampton face even more roadworks and delays, with streets in the city centre shut to motorists.
Workers began the scheme to replace 1.5km of gas pipes running through the city on Monday, with the project expected to continue for 30 weeks.
Drivers are already facing delays on city centre roads, including Salop Street, School Street, Temple Street and Cleveland Street.
Why are the works taking place?
Steve Murray, head of Cadent’s gas mains replacement project in the West Midlands, said: “This project is a significant investment to make sure local people and businesses in Wolverhampton continue to enjoy safe and reliable gas supplies this winter and for many decades to come.
“It is part of an ongoing programme to update Wolverhampton’s gas network.”
Where are the roadworks?
Initial work will see Salop Street closed between its junctions with School Street and Worcester Street.
Cleveland Street – where the new market opened last month – will be closed between Worcester Street and Cleveland Passage.
The work, which will be carried out in seven phases, will also shut Victoria Street between its junctions with Bell Street and Worcester Street.
Mr Murray added: “We appreciate that this is a busy route. We’ve planned the project so that the work starts during the summer school holidays when there is less traffic on the roads.
“However, we would still advise motorists to leave extra time for their journeys, particularly at morning and evening peak times. Local shops and businesses will remain open as usual. We very much appreciate people’s patience and understanding.”
The project comes alongside work to extend the Midland Metro, which has seen Pipers Row closed to traffic since March.
It is part of Cadent’s £65 million investment in new gas pipes for the West Midlands, which will see five-months of work begin in Worcester Street from October.
Cadent said it decided to start work in the summer as roads are usually quieter, with the scheme set to be put on hold during the build-up to Christmas.
