Drivers facing long jams
Motorists in part of Sandwell are expecting a miserable summer after major roadworks disrupting one of the area's biggest roads were announced.
The junction of Newbury Lane and the A4123 New Birmingham Road in Oldbury will be closed for three weeks, between next Monday, July 16 and Saturday, August 4, for works to replace a water main.
Sandwell Council spokesman Chris Horst said the three-week arrangement would have a significant impact on local traffic, with "major delays" expected.
Newbury Lane will in effect become one-way, with the closure of the north-east-bound lane from Ascot Close.
The work will mean that drivers will no-longer be able to get from Newbury Lane onto the busy dual carriageway linking Wolverhampton and Birmingham, although traffic will be able to pass from that road into Newbury Lane.
Instead drivers will have to follow a diversion along Portway Hill and either Tower Road or City Road.
The work will see the road dug up and damaged water mains replaced following a number of leaks in the area and is being carried out by contractors May Gurney Ltd on behalf of South Staffordshire Water.
Paul Minto, site supervisor for the water company, said: "We have no choice but to carry out this work. There has been a number of issues with the water main, and we will be laying a new six-inch main down along the stretch affected. We are doing the work now as we believe traffic flows will be lighter during the school holidays. Works will start on the 60-metre stretch at the A4123 New Birmingham Road-Newbury Lane junction at 9.30am on Monday.