Latest phase of Stafford Western Access Route work to finish three weeks early
Completion of the latest phase of building works on a major Staffordshire road project is set to be cut by three weeks as additional equipment is brought on site.
Work to install driven piles on a section of the Stafford Western Access Route in Castletown will be reduced when a second piling rig is introduced from Monday. This phase of the works will now be completed in the middle of March, the county council say - earlier than expected.
Construction of the multi-million pound route began last summer. The new road will enable millions of pounds worth of new housing and business development to take place, the county council say, as well as improving traffic flow in the town centre, particularly by the railway station.
The road will link the A34 Foregate Street at Madford Retail Park to the A518 Newport Road Castlefields junction. The road will help improve traffic flow in Gaol Square, Newport Road to the east of Kingsway, Station Road, Chell Road, A34 Foregate Street, situated to the south of the scheme, and Doxey Road.
Staffordshire County Council’s economic growth leader, Mark Winnington, said: “The Stafford Western Access Route is an essential part of Stafford’s ambitious growth plans. It will enable future development contained in the borough’s local plan – notably the delivery of thousands of new homes and business, office and retail space. It will also reduce congestion in the town centre, particularly around the railway station.
“As the scheme progresses, wherever possible we will do all we can to minimise disruption and the length of the works period. By bringing a second piling rig on site we can significantly reduce this phase.
“We continue to keep in contact with local residents, businesses and partner organisations to keep them up to date with the project.”
In December a temporary roundabout opened on Doxey Road, providing access to the Sainsbury’s and borough council car park until the realigned permanent roundabout opens. Demolition of the old Saint-Gobain buildings on Doxey Road is nearly complete, paving the way for a new roundabout and future development.
Anyone wanting further information about the Stafford Western Access Route can email staffordwestern.accessroute@staffordshire.gov.uk
The road is being funded by developers, and with £15.5 million secured by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership through the Government’s Local Growth Fund.
