Warnings of delays as work to start on £800k Rugeley roundabout

The new island on the A51 will serve the Hawksyard housing estate development on the former Rugeley Power Station site on the east side of Armitage Road.

Engineers have began surveying work ahead of construction of the junction in August. It is expected work will last on the roundabout until the end of the year.

Drivers have been warned there will be 'traffic management' on the route and to expect delays.

The housing estate will be the site for 600 homes, which were given the go-ahead as part of plans by Lichfield District Council ten years ago.

Approval was given on the condition the developer, Persimmon Homes, would have to fund and install a new roundabout once the 251st home became occupied which it did some time ago.

It was hoped the the work on the island would have already started but there have been delays caused by an issue with a high voltage power cable related to the supply of broadband in the area.

Staffordshire County Council has assured that access to homes and businesses in the area will not be affected, but has warned of delays.

Spokesman Tom Hobbins said: "People can expect to see the temporary traffic signals you would usually see as there will likely be a lane closure.

"The roundabout is being constructed off the road to the road to be kept open.

"When they connect it up they will have to have traffic management in place."

Transport boss Councillor Mark Winnington, said: "Our highways team will be supporting this development by building a new island on the A51 as part of the planning requirements.

"This is brownfield land so we're pleased to see it being brought back into use for much-needed housing.

"Construction work will start in August and be finished by Christmas.

"There will be some traffic management in place while work is carried out so we would ask people to bear with us and allow extra time for the journey."

In May, Lichfield District Council formally unveiled a new play area at Hawksyard.

The new park has three sections linked by pathways made up of paved areas, with grass and matting.

There are also benches and pic-nic tables. The play equipment itself includes the usual staples such as slides, a climbing frame, swings, seesaw as well as a dedicated area for juniors.

A spokesman for Lichfield District Council added: "The roundabout has been triggered by the occupation of the 251st home.

"There has been a slight delay because of the broadband cables under where the roundabout will go but it has been sorted and the work is ready to commence."