The nightmare on Beaconside - Huge traffic jams and delays of an hour

The roadworks on the route passing the RAF base, Staffordshire Technology Park and several housing estates are to go on for another fortnight – meaning the whole project is now around a month behind schedule.

Severn Trent Water is replacing pipes in the area and originally set the completion date for August 31.

It has apologised to frustrated drivers for the delays, which come at the same time as separate water pipe works on Radford Bank, set to last until November.

The problems on Beaconside intensified this week as the school term started, with a sea of brake lights stretching the entirety of the road.

Some motorists are also carrying out U-turns or dangerously heading into oncoming traffic to overtake and disappear down streets like Gladstone Way and Portal Road.

Severn Trent blamed the Beaconside delay on 'difficult ground conditions'. It now hopes to finish the work on September 21 but will remain on site until September 25. Workers will then move onto Portal Road.

Staffordshire County Council's transport boss Mark Winnington said: "We have held several meetings with utility companies to try to resolve some of the traffic congestion issues this week.

"We have limited powers in controlling the timings of these works, however we are monitoring them continually to ensure traffic signals are controlled appropriately and effectively. We will continue to work with all organisations involved to minimise future disruption although people should plan additional travel time."

Resident Graham Cull described the timing of the works as 'terrible'.

He said: "It is causing a knock-on effect on the dual carriageway and traffic is building up as far as the prison. It must be at least three miles of traffic. The planning is shocking, really terrible."

Gladstone Way resident Elizabeth Joyce added: "These are the worst traffic jams I have ever known – and to face them on a daily basis is exhausting. It's the last thing you want after a day at work."

The Severn Trent work is part of a £15m investment of new water and sewer pipes.