Three days of respite before next phase of roadworks begin in Cannock
A main road in Cannock will be fully open for just three days before partially closing again as part of the ongoing major work in the town.
On November 1 the A5190 Lichfield Road will reopen in both directions for the first time in four months, having been partially closed between the A460 roundabout and Asda since July.
But then from November 4 there will be no access to the other side of Lichfield Road, with a "short stretch" of the road set to be completely closed to the east of the A460 for eight weeks.
Staffordshire County Council was unable to confirm how much of the road will be closed, but said it would not stretch as far as the mini-roundabout at Heath Way.
The work is paving the way for the £160 million McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, which is due to be completed in autumn 2020.
It's hope the new road layout will improve traffic flow on surrounding roads while providing access to the development.
Major work has been ongoing from the Churchbridge area up to Lichfield Road since November last year as roads are widened, extra lanes are added and layouts are changed.
Hayes Way has been closed at its junction with the A460 since the work began but it is now hoped the road will be back open in mid October.
On-site construction of the Mill Green designer outlet started last summer after planning permission was granted by Cannock Chase Council in September 2016.
Contractors gave the Express & Star a sneak preview of the development last week as they revealed the project is running ahead of schedule.
It is hoped the outlet will create 1,000 jobs for the local area.
The road improvements include
Access and improvements on the A460 Eastern Way, Churchbridge interchange and Orbital Way
Widening the A460 Eastern Way to a dual carriageway and creating slip roads to the designer outlet
A new underpass and access to the site from the A460
New footpaths and cycle ways
Widening both the eastern and western A460 legs at the Churchbridge junction to provide two lanes in both directions
Widening Orbital Way on the eastbound side
Improving the Lodge Lane and Churchbridge roundabouts
Installing new toucan crossings on Eastern Way.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, Helen Fisher, said: “Work to improve the roads ahead of the opening of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands in Cannock is on schedule and progressing well.
“The next phase of the works will see the section east of the Lichfield Road roundabout closed for up to eight weeks with a short diversion in place. We also anticipate Hayes Way will shortly reopen – months ahead of schedule.
“We understand these works are causing disruption and would again like to thank people for their patience while road closures are in place.
“The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is a hugely important development for Staffordshire and the wider region. It will create jobs and bring visitors into Cannock, boosting the local economy.
"Before this happens, the infrastructure needs to be in place and we are making every effort to get works completed as soon as possible.”
