Overnight road closures for new Staffordshire school traffic island development

Staffordshire County Council’s highways crews have installed a new three-arm roundabout on the A51 off land which is being transformed into a new development area.

 Part of the redevelopment includes the construction of the Rugeley John Taylor all-through school which will to serve both primary and secondary age pupils.

 The multi-million pound works are moving to the next phase which will involve night time closures on a section of the main road which runs between the town and Lichfield, so crews can complete carriageway surfacing works from this week until June 20.

Lea Hall Way will be closed in both directions from June 9 from 7pm to 6am from the Wheelhouse Road roundabout to the Power Station Road roundabout.

Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways Peter Mason said: “Because of the extensive nature of the works, they will have to be done under a road closure for the safety of our crews. 

"The A51 is a busy, well-used road so carrying these works out at night, outside of rush hour, means we can minimise disruption while still doing the extensive resurfacing work that is needed.

 “Diversions will clearly be signed, and crews will be working as hard as possible to get the work finished on time. It’s essential that these works are completed so people can access the new school, which is due to open in September.”

 Works to the road started in September of last year and are scheduled to finish  next month weather permitting.

 Existing paths and cycleways will be extended, and a signalised toucan crossing will be installed on the A51. New drainage and street lighting will also be installed as part of the scheme.

 The land is owned by Rugeley Power Limited and the station closed nine yeas ago followed by the towers being demolished in 2019 . 

The new school is currently being built by the Department for Education and will be operated by the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust.