End is nigh for Pipers Row roadworks in Wolverhampton city centre

Work on Pipers Road has been ongoing since 2017, with the city centre route being opened and closed as work was carried out.

But now the misery which faced drivers, who had to be re-rerouted around Wolverhampton, will end tomorrow.

The project was initially due to be finished in summer this year, but bosses at the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) brought the work forward which was scheduled for next year.

It came as part of a bid to ease disruption for city centre drivers, but it was met by criticism by business leaders who called for it to end.

The final two weeks of work was carried out after the project was suspended for half-term.

Cadisha Brown, spokeswoman for the MMA, said: "Throughout the two weeks of construction activity for the Wolverhampton city centre Metro extension, works have progressed as planned with some milestones being completed ahead of schedule.

"For example, bus services were able to revert to exiting directly onto Pipers Row by November 1 – three days ahead of schedule, minimising journey times for bus users.

"We are pleased to announce that the final road surfacing works will be completed on schedule and traffic management associated with the project will be lifted over the weekend.

"The work was scheduled during half-term to minimise disruption to the travelling public and completing these works in 2019 will mean that the Midland Metro Alliance’s activities next year will be primarily located in Railway Drive and repeat disruption to Pipers Row will be avoided. The alliance has continued to promote that Wolverhampton was open as usual on social media throughout the short period of work in late October and early November.

"We would like to thank those living, working and travelling in Wolverhampton for their patience and understanding during our works."

The group will return later in 2020 for the final stages of construction for the city's route, following the construction of Wolverhampton Railway Station.