Drivers face summer of delays

Motorists in Stourbridge are facing a summer of discontent after a series of road-clogging works were announced.

Drivers heading towards the town along the Hagley Road will be forced to follow a diversion for three weeks from May 24.

The major transport link will be made one way between its junctions with Glasshouse Hill at Oldswinford Cross and Field Lane while a new gas main is installed by National Grid Gas.

When the works are complete, Dudley Council will resurface this section of the highway on three Sundays spanning June and July.

The road will be closed in both directions for the works on June 22, June 29 and July 13.

And the authority is warning drivers that these minor projects will be followed by two months of major disruption between Stourbridge ring road to Oldswinford Cross.

Essential utility works and the resurfacing of the road are expected to take six to eight weeks.

The council says the works have been scheduled with the aim of causing motorists the minimum inconvenience.

Cabinet member for transportation Councillor Angus Adams apologised for the disruption.

He said: "These advance utility works will start during the school half-term holidays while the roads are less busy.

"We have also taken the opportunity to resurface this short section of road immediately after the gas work has been completed to cause minimum disruption.

"Likewise we are working with National Grid Gas and Severn Trent over the school summer holidays to combine the works to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused."

National Grid Gas, Severn Trent Water and the council will be carrying out their main works from late July to early September, with the council estimating the scheme will be completed within six to eight weeks.

By Mark Mudie