Delays warning: Busy route to close for road-widening in £26m scheme

The works are being carried out along Bescot Road from Wallows Lane up to the junction of Wednesbury Road and Darlaston Road from Sunday (15).

Drivers are being warned to expect long delays, with a diversion in place throughout the duration of the works.

Walsall's transport boss Councillor Lee Jeavons said: "This is a busy route during rush hour and so it's inevitable that there will be some inconvenience for motorists.

"This is a huge project that's been on the table for more than a decade. If we're to encourage businesses to locate or expand in the Darlaston area of the Black Country Enterprise Zone, we need better roads to cope with the traffic.

"These two junctions have been designed to reduce congestion and keep traffic moving.

"Businesses and residents in the area are being advised of the road closure and we thank them for their patience."

The northbound section of Bescot Road will be closed from Wallows Lane to the junction of Wednesbury Road and Darlaston Road, known locally as the Brown Lion Junction from 5pm on Sunday (15) until 6am on February 23.

The closure will enable workers from contractor Dawnus Construction to begin digging the foundations to widen the carriageway and start work on the new roundabout layout at the Wallows Lane junction.

A diversion route will be in operation during this period to direct drivers along Wallows Lane, Broadway West, Weston Street, West Bromwich Street, Corporation Street and Wednesbury Road.

The southbound side of Bescot Road will remain open during the scheme.

Council officers are now planning a leaflet drop to more than 4,500 homes and businesses in the area to advise them of the closure.

The scheme is one of three other projects taking place in the area.

Bentley Mill Way is being widened, with new traffic lights being put in place near to the 200-year-old James Bridge Aqueduct. The level of the road beneath the aqueduct will also be lowered to give more room for taller vehicles to pass through and reduce the risk of hitting and weakening the bridge.

Traffic lights will also be installed at the new junction between Darlaston Road and Bentley Mill Way with the new junction being created by reducing access from Cemetery Road and creating new carriageway.

A footpath will be included along the west of Bentley Road South and a cycle and footpath will be installed along the east side, making the road easier and safer to travel along for pedestrians and cyclists.

The entire scheme is expected to be completed in June 2016.