Stafford roadworks nearing end for town drivers
The end is in sight for motorists in Stafford as more than a year's worth of works by Severn Trent Water in the town are set to finish in a matter of weeks.
Weston Road, the main route from Stafford to Uttoxeter, has been closed inbound near Weston Bank since June due to the works, leading to a long diversion and misery for drivers.
But now Severn Trent Water, which is carrying out the work leading to the closures, says it expects the road to reopen on August 14.
They had originally set a nine-week deadline from when the work began on June 13, but had not given an exact date until now.
Other roadworks, including in Queensville and Doxey, are due to finish by the end of the first week of August as the company's work in the town comes to an end.
A spokesman for Severn Trent, which has carried out a number of works in Stafford in the past year as part of a wider project, confirmed the work in Weston Road was close to completion.
He said: "Work started on June 13 to install a modern sewer system connecting the village of Weston to the larger treatment works in Brancote, Stafford.
"By using a road closure we have been able to use bigger machines which has meant we've progressed well.
"Nearly 4km of new sewer pipe has already been installed from the Knot and Plough Inn at Blackheath Lane roundabout, to the bridge crossing the River Trent.
"We are currently installing the pipe over the bridge and we aim to complete this by the end of the week. We have about 500m of sewage main left to install.
"All being well, we expect Weston Road to reopen on August 14."
The move has been welcomed by Milwich councillor Frances Beatty, who said Severn Trent deserved credit for sticking within its self-imposed nine week deadline.
She said: "The roadworks have been a big problem and I have a lot of sympathy for people who use the route, particularly those who use it on a regular basis.
"There could not have been a worse time for the works, because it was harvest time so the farmers have been trying to get the crops in. I know they have been badly affected.
"However, I do realise that it was one of the most important things in Stafford that had to be done.
"Some of the drains, sewers and water supplies dated back to Victorian times and had to be repaired and replaced and there is no good time to do that.
"I was worried that Severn Trent would not stick to their deadline but it is good to see they will be. They said it would take nine weeks and it looks like they have stuck to that."
