Funding is urged for upgrade of Cannock junction
Fed-up motorists will find out this week if cash will be released for urgent improvements at a 'dog's dinner' of a junction in South Staffordshire.
Local MPs Gavin Williamson and Aidan Burley have been pressing for action at the strategic Churchbridge interchange in Cannock which incorporates three roundabouts connecting the A5, M6 Toll, A460 Cannock Eastern Bypass and the A34.
It was last rebuilt in 2004 for the opening of the M6 Toll but drivers have been caught up in long queues along the A460 and A34, particularly during rush hour.
Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, recently met Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to push the need for funding to make "essential" modifications at the junction.
Chase MP Aidan Burley has also been lobbying ministers at the Department for Transport to get the junction upgraded as part of the Highways Agency's pinch point funding scheme.
In last year's Autumn Statement, the Government set aside an additional £100 million towards the pinch point programme, set up to tackle key bottlenecks on the road network.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LEP and Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP submitted a bid for some of the funding to pay for work at Churchbridge.
The next round of successful schemes is due to be announced at the end of this month.
Mr Williamson said: "The current design of the roundabouts is an absolute dog's dinner. It is confusing to motorists and can cause a great amount of congestion in both South Staffordshire and Cannock.
"It is vitally important that we get the funding from the Government to improve these roundabouts in order to help the many residents and local businesses that have to deal with them every day."
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, a former Cannock Chase councillor, assured Mr Burley in January that he was "well aware of this junction" and understood the need for "additional capacity for future development potential".
Chase MP Mr Burley said: "Improving the junction to be more free-flowing would not only help resolve existing and future congestion but also contribute significantly to better air quality."
He said it would also provide a boost to business and support job creation and regeneration.
