Motorists face weeks of roadworks in Stourbridge
Drivers are facing roadworks chaos around Stourbridge with two major schemes taking place at the same time either side of the town centre ring road.
Temporary traffic lights which have been in place during the day on High Street, Amblecote, will now become 24-hour, which is expected to lead to long delays.
On top of that, National Grid is carrying out gas mains work around Norton Road for six weeks.
However, the travel chaos has been defended by councillors.
Councillor Nicolas Barlow said the work will 'help with traffic flow and safety' and 'the work has to be done'.
He said: "The roadworks have to be done as the council has to look into making sure the road system is still fit for purpose.
"The new work will help with traffic flow and safety.
"There is never a good time to do roadworks unfortunately but a lot of major schemes tend to be done during school holidays.
"Our message to people is to listen to the local radio and look online for traffic problems before they leave to ensure they're safe on the roads during this very difficult time."
Brettell Lane and Platts Road near High Street will have 24 hour temporary lights in place over the next three weeks along with gas work lasting six weeks on Stanley Road, Avon Road, Lea Vale Road, Severn Road and Teme Road.
The work on High Street in Amblecote, costing £250,000, originally had signals in place between 9.30am and 3.30pm but has now been extended to 24 hour until May.
Matt Williams, chief officer for environmental services at Dudley Council, said: "I would like to thank people for their patience and ask them to bear with us a little longer while we complete these vital works to improve journey times and ease traffic flow.”
The work around Norton Road will involve replacing iron mains with plastic pipes that are expected to last for 80 years.
Temporary three-way traffic lights will be in place on Stanley Road where it meets Norton Road and Severn Road.
Stephen Murray, Head of Contract, said: “National Grid Gas Distribution Ltd plays a vital role in keeping people warm. We are investing millions of pounds every year in renewing the West Midlands’ gas mains so that local residents and businesses can continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for decades to come.
“We appreciate this work may be disruptive. We’ll do all we can to finish the project as soon as possible and minimise disruption to residents, businesses and motorists. We’d like to thank people for their understanding and patience."
Other roads in Stourbridge including Racecourse Lane also currently have roadworks in place.
