Long-running A449 roadworks scheme leaves motorists frustrated
Frustrated commuters are facing long delays along the A449 as six months of roadworks and overnight closures continue.
The works, between the A449 Gailey Island and M54 Junction 2 at Coven in in South Staffordshire, started in January and will end at the end of June.
The dual carriageway has been reduced to one lane in both directions while resurfacing, drainage repairs, kerb repairs and barrier installation takes place.
Now, drivers have spoken of their frustration at the 'chaos' roads – particularly during the morning commute.
Parish councillor for Penkridge, Chloe Greta, who is campaigning against the £8.5 million West Midlands Interchange rail freight hub which could be built on green belt land off the A449, said: "The traffic along the A449 has been horrendous. I am constantly having to divert through Brewood and Coven to get to work, which isn't good for their roads.
"It is hard to understand why things are coned off and yet there doesn't seem to be much going on. They are improving underused footpaths when there are loads in Penkridge and surrounding villages which desperately need improvements."
As part of the works, traffic restrictions have seen separate northbound and southbound carriageway closures enforced between the A449 Gailey Island and Brewood Road roundabout.
The road improvements – which are being carried out on behalf of Highways England on weekdays from 8am to 6pm – has also forced full closures on a number of weekends..
Resident Eve Marsh, who uses the road regularly, detours through Coven and Brewood to avoid the works in the morning, but is now facing delays in the evening.
She said: "It took 40 minutes to get from the Four Ashes pub down to Gailey Island last night. An absolute joke - no work is taking place just cones!
"The road is down to one lane and I spent most of the time with the handbrake on. I won't be heading that way home tonight."
Paula Jane Rusby, from Penkridge, added: "It's a nightmare especially when something happens on the motorway too! It's only going to get worse if the rail hub gets its way."
The work was previously scheduled to take place back in November of last year but it was delayed.
The speed limit along the route as been reduced from 60mph to 40mph.
Meanwhile, resurfacing works the A449 in Wolverhampton was completed at the end of April part ahead of schedule.
The north and southbound carriageways of the A449 Stafford Road, heading out of the city, were resurfaced between Gorsebrook Road island and Oxley Moor Road.
