£3 million Wolverhampton roadworks will lead to a year of misery

The project, part of the multi-million pound Bilston Urban Village scheme, will see changes to one of Wolverhampton's busiest roundabouts at the Black Country Route and Coseley Road.

Lane restrictions will be in place and the speed limit reduced to 30mph during the work. The junction at Broad Lanes, Ladymoor Road and Highfields Road will be revamped to feature a mini-roundabout.

This will see a section of Highfields Road close for around six months from February 1. Numerous traffic restrictions will be in place while the work is carried out. It is expected to be completed in early 2017.

It comes just a month after the completion of roadworks on another section of Coseley Road that dragged on for six weeks longer than planned. The delay saw businesses suffer a crippling loss in trade.

Wolverhampton Council highways chiefs say the work is necessary to 'keep pace' with the regeneration of the area. They have apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Councillor Peter Bilson, deputy leader and cabinet member for city assets, said: "The multi-million pound Bilston Urban Village project is a hugely important part of Wolverhampton's regeneration plans.

"Naturally, as the area grows economically, the transport infrastructure needs to expand with it – making these latest highway improvements vital. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience these works may cause. Every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum."

Funding has come from the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.

The work at the Black Country Route and Coseley Road roundabout will deliver new and wider lanes to reduce traffic congestion.

When part of Highfields Road is closed there will be two-way temporary traffic lights on Broad Lanes and Ladymoor Road, with diversions in place.

Meanwhile another mini-roundabout will be built at the new entrance to the Bilston Urban Village, off Highfields Road.

Bosses say the majority of the work will be carried out between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

The Bilston Urban Village site will provide developers with the opportunity to build up to 400 new houses, together with new employment areas and leisure facilities.