Pothole repair works start on A449 between Wolverhampton and Wombourne
Repair work has started on a notorious pothole-plagued stretch of the A449 between Wolverhampton and Wombourne after concerns were raised over its condition.
Resurfacing and structural repairs have been started on Stourbridge Road from the Warstones Road roundabout junction and the junction with Wodenhouse Lane.
It started up on Monday with the work including the route outside the Miller and Carter steakhouse in Penn, Wolverhampton, which was previously called a hazard.
Councillor Paul Singh, who represents the area on Wolverhampton Council, said: "It's really welcome because safety is paramount – winter is coming and the chances are the road will break up even further.
"So it's good work is progressing but we're looking forward to a total relaying of the road, really that's what's needed. I think this is the start of the good news and the real good news will be when it's completed, that's what we're really looking for."
Councillor Singh added he was calling for a pinpoint date for the resurfacing works – earmarked for summer next year – to residents can plan, adding: "It would be good to have some clarification on when work will start because it will really help the residents of Penn, Wolverhampton, and Staffordshire to have an idea when we will get the much-needed repairs to this very important corridor into Wolverhampton."
The current work will run up until September 30 and work will start between the stretch which covers the Dudley and Worcestershire boundaries from September 20. The works will pave the way for full resurfacing of both stretches in summer 2023.
For the work to be carried out safely, temporary lane closures and speed restrictions will be in place – with work carried out between 9.30am and 3pm on weekdays to minimise disruption, transport chiefs said.
One person on social media said: "Hallelujah! Only been waiting ages and ages, what’s taken the council so long!(?)", whilst another added there was "literally no tarmac left on the road".
Councillor David Williams, cabinet member for highways and transport on Staffordshire County Council which is carrying out the works, said: "We’re pleased to start this vital repair work on what is a busy stretch of the A449 in South Staffordshire, particularly between the Warstones Road and Wodehouse Lane roundabout junctions.
"We understand defects have been a concern to local road users and so have acted as quickly as possible to schedule in the repairs.
“Safety on our roads is a top priority to us so we know how important these works are. They will pave the way for full resurfacing next summer – giving lasting protection to the road, help to prevent future defects and significantly improve skid resistance."
Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, added: "Many of my constituents have raised the poor state of the A449 in South Staffordshire with me and I have been actively taking up their concerns with Staffordshire County Council.
“I am glad to see the highways team responding to residents’ concerns with both an immediate and a long-term plan for improving this stretch of the A449."
