Type=image;ImageID=12559;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=City gateway road improvement works;TitleClass=strong;
The aim of the £6.4 million city gateway scheme is to support job generation and business growth - ensuring there is the highway capacity to support investment at local companies.
It provides access to major employment sites, including i54, Wolverhampton Business Park, and the Junction 2 employment area.
The scheme is being funded by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership 'Local Growth Fund' and follows a six-month consultation with nearby residents and businesses.
Councillor Steve Evans, 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 have been 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.
This unfortunately means the loss of a significant number of mature trees. To compensate for this City of Wolverhampton Council is asking for residents and businesses to help identify suitable alternative locations for new landscaping and tree planting in the local area.
The scheme will also deliver:
- additional right turn lanes to improve safety and reduce delays
- increased vehicle capacity at junctions, including dedicated turn lanes helping to reduce emissions from standing traffic
- improved linkage of traffic signals, including M54 Junction 2
- improved pedestrian crossings supporting movements to the Milldale retail facilities and additional customer car parking
- enhanced cycle facilities along the length of the scheme, the completion of the cycle path from the city to M54, Junction 2, and vice versa
- traffic noise reduction through the use of low-noise surfacing
- control measures in certain residential areas to prevent commuter parking
It is expected the project will be completed in spring 2019.
The initial phase will run until Christmas 2017 and will involve lane restrictions on both sides of the carriageway during the off-peak hours of 9.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
During construction, local businesses and residents can contact Eurovia Public Liaison Officer Joanne Plews with any enquiries on 07768 940187 or email joanne.plews@eurovia.co.uk.
- released: Wednesday 18 October, 2017