Road closure at an end

A controversial road closure which has caused headaches for Stafford motorists for the last nine weeks is due to come to an end tomorrow.

The complete blocking off of the A518 Newport Road will be over but it will be reduced to one lane in parts, with temporary traffic lights controlling the traffic.

It will not fully re-open until September 2, 10 weeks after roadworks started on June 23.

The closure between Kingsway and West Way was necessary to allow the sewer system to be upgraded to cater for a new housing development by David Wilson Homes, but further utility work and resurfacing has been carried out during the closure.

The road was expected to be completely closed for the full 10 weeks but Staffordshire highways boss Ian Turner said his team had pulled out all the stops to get traffic moving again as soon as possible.

"Tomorrow morning will see the Newport Road opening to traffic ahead of schedule, but with traffic flowing under traffic light controlled restrictions," he said.

"The Staffordshire highways team has been working like Trojans to get their resurfacing and kerbing works done as quickly as possible, following David Wilson Home's early completion of their sewer connections.

"But the team is making the most of the summer slot to get as much highway improvement works done as possible, working on footpaths, drainage and kerbing until September 2."

Gas main replacement works will also continue on Castle Bank until that date.