The third stage of the major road improvement and gas mains renewal scheme on the Wolverhampton Road in Stafford gets underway this weekend.
This weekend sees temporary three-way lights installed to control traffic flows at the junction with West Way to allow gas installation across the junction.
Staffordshire Highways and West Midlands Gas Alliance are on target with their join project on the A449.
The major joint gas mains renewal and highway resurfacing programme started at Easterand is running through to the end of the summer. From mid-May traffic will be controlled with two-way traffic signals between Boon Grove and Chain Lane.
The final stage of operations, in the school summer holiday period, will focus on the Rickerscote Road junction to town railway bridge, where there will be a one way closure for inbound traffic with traffic diverted via Rickerscote Road, Silkmore Lane and Lichfield Road to the town centre. Outbound traffic is not affected.
The West Midlands Gas Alliance programme is part of a 30-year national mains renewal project which is replacing old iron gas mains.
Staffordshire Highways is using the opportunity to resurface the highway at the same time and is spending £2 million along the key transport artery.
Staffordshire Highways chief David Wilson thanked local residents and commuters for their support and understanding so far.
“It’s a big job and there is still a long way to go but so far things seem to be going according to plan and the partnership between National Grid Gas and Staffordshire Highways has been brilliant.
“It should act as a model for future operations.
“People expect well maintained roads and utility services but they also understand that this massive integrated upgrade of public services can’t be done without inconvenience.
“From feedback so far it seems that people do appreciate we are working together to double up on highway occupation, to get as much done at the same time as possible.”
West Midlands Gas Alliance project manager Kevin Williams said: “The first stage of the project has kept to schedule with no unexpected surprises. We are working incredibly closely with Staffordshire on this massive investment to get the best for the people of Stafford - and we hope to keep up the momentum as we move into the packed summer slot.
“We are also working together on publicising the operations as fully as possible, ensuring everyone knows what is going on.”
The team have set up special public information points at the Co-op and Rising Brook Library at Burton Square and the Tesco Express at Rickerscote Road/A449 junction.
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