Held-up drivers told to be patient as Cannock roadworks continue
Fed-up drivers have been urged to be patient as a roadworks scheme continues to cause major disruption over Christmas.
A huge two-year scheme is under way at a busy intersection in Cannock, where the A460 meets the A5.
Project leaders have been tasked with completing the work at Churchbridge while keeping the traffic moving at three busy roundabouts.
The A460 Eastern Way is being widened and a new underpass is being created in preparation for the new £160 million McArthur Glen retail development, which is due to open in 2020.
Drivers at Churchbridge and Eastern Way have been urged to be patient by bosses who say the changes will improve traffic flow at the congested section.
Work has now started on the construction of a temporary road alongside the A460 Eastern Way, which will carry traffic when sections of the main road are closed for works.
The pavement along the A460 Eastern Way will be closed from the Hayes Way junction to the junction with the A5190 Lichfield Road to allow the work to take place.
An alternative route for pedestrians is available via the a A5190 Lichfield Road, Sparrowhawk Way, Pheasant Way, Hayes Way and vice versa.
Hayes Way is now closed from the junction of Eastern Way to Pheasant Way so the access works can be carried out safely.
Roads teams decided to close the junction so three-way temporary signals would be needed rather than four-way and say the move will 'significantly reduce' waiting times for drivers stuck in queues.
Staffordshire County Council’s highways chief Helen Fisher said: “This is a vital scheme and is moving to another phase as the work begins to build the temporary road.
"Undoubtedly it is creating some disruption in the area but it is a necessary part of the development.
"Traffic management has been carefully planned to minimise disruption as much as is possible.
"We would ask people to allow additional time if travelling along this section of the A460 and would like to thank people for their ongoing patience.”
