Temporary traffic lights to be in place on Staffordshire road amid highway works near school

Work on a highways scheme to make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle near The Friary School in Lichfield will start on Monday (July 20).

The project, being delivered by Staffordshire County Council, will see improvements made along Eastern Avenue to provide better access for pedestrians and cyclists.

This means that there will be temporarily traffic lights in operation on the Staffordshire road when the work begins. Footway closures will also be required at certain times, with signed alternative routes provided for pedestrians.

The scheme will be delivered in two phases and is expected to take around six weeks to complete. The work includes the construction of new shared-use cycleway and footways along the north side of Eastern Avenue near The Friary School.

As part of the improvements, the existing puffin crossing adjacent to the school entrance will be upgraded to a toucan crossing, allowing both pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely. An existing footpath linking Eastern Avenue and Grange Lane will also be improved for use as a shared footway and cycleway.

Daniel Cecil, Cabinet Support Member for Highways at Staffordshire County Council, said:"These improvements will provide safer and more convenient facilities for people walking, wheeling and cycling in the area, particularly for students, families and staff travelling to and from The Friary School.

“An accessible environment can also help encourage more people to choose active forms of travel for shorter journeys, helping to reduce congestion while supporting healthier lifestyles.

“We're pleased to be delivering this investment in the city and thank residents and road users in advance for their patience while the work is completed."

The £400,000 project is being funded by HS2 as part of wider investment to encourage active travel and improve connectivity in communities along the route of the railway.

Residents and businesses along the route have been contacted directly about the scheme, and further updates will be shared as work progresses.