Drivers' new roadwork misery

Drivers face three weeks of traffic misery as a busy road in Halesowen is dug up to repair a burst water main.

Queues almost a mile long have stretched along the A456 Manor Way towards the M5 junction while repairs are carried out near the Grange Road Island.

One lane is closed for 300 yards, causing chaos. Drivers are being asked by Dudley Council to use alternative routes.

The work on the A456 comes after six months of re-surfacing work caused chaos there in late 2009. The work to realign and resurface the roundabout led to tailbacks on Manor Way, Grange Road and Grange Hill.

Drivers say the problem is just as bad this time, forcing people to set out for school or work up to 45 minutes early.

Mucklow Hill has become clogged with traffic, causing problems through Quinton up to the A456 through Edgbaston.

Employees at Sandvik, in Manor Way, said the queues were causing "mayhem".

James Whittaker, aged 28, said his 40-minute drive home to Kidderminster was taking double the time.

Councillor Angus Adams, cabinet member for transportation, said: "We apologise for any inconvenience while we carry out these essential works."

The work is expected to be finished by May 30.