A main road partially sealed off for two years has been reopened in a milestone event for Walsall’s ring road transformation.

Rollingmill Street, Queen Street, parts of Bridgeman Street and Pleck Road outside Manor Hospital were made one-way to motorists since January 2007 and should have only lasted 12 months.

Yesterday the roads finally reopened fully at midday after almost a year’s delay, due to problems with utility work compounded by a £140 million building project at the hospital site.

New traffic lights have now been switched on at the junction of Rollingmill Street and Pleck Road, as part of the £17 million Town Centre Transport Package.

Walsall Council cabinet member for transport Councillor Anthony Harris said: “This is a major road for the town and I’m very pleased to report another landmark being hit.

“We have re-opened four roads to two way traffic which is great news. These are major routes which will help traffic flow more easily.

“People have been very patient and understanding and we do thank them for this.”