Stafford drivers face long delays as Severn Trent roadworks shut route

Blackheath Lane, which is adjacent to the crematorium and Weston Road Academy, has been closed for over a week now and will remain shut until June 13 as a new sewage pipe is installed.

The works have been labelled a 'major inconvenience' by residents and commuters who are having to travel miles out of their way due to diversions.

It is the second to last project by Severn Trent Water in the town to install a new pipe so residents in Weston will have their sewage treated at Brancote, as opposed to the local treatment works in Weston which is struggling with the capacity.

The final stage will see a road closure on Weston Road for nine weeks during the school summer holidays. This work begins on June 13.

James McCann, who lives in Baswich, uses the route in the mornings to travel to work on the Technology Park.

But due to delays, the 20-year-old has been riding his bicycle as an alternative to avoid the delays.

He said: "I've started to ride my bike to work now because its much quicker than waiting in the queues of traffic.

"When I have driven before its taken me more than double the amount of time that it usually takes to get there.

"I understand that the work needs to be done but its been a massive inconvenience in Stafford.

"It's going to be a nightmare when there are closures on Weston Road but it will be good when all of these road works are over and done with."

The final project will see a road closure on Weston Road for nine weeks during the school summer holidays.

Motorists use the Blackheath Lane route for access between Baswich and the north end of town near the County Hospital and University.

Will Cooper, who lives in Cannock but works in Stafford, said: "This vital road closure linking the popular Baswich and Wildwood area to Beaconside centre, Stafford university, routes to Stone and Uttoxeter and the hospital most importantly is causing a significantly longer re-route.

"It could cause problems for ambulances passing through with the diversion being considerably longer. I understand the town will benefit from the works but they just seem to be never-ending."

During the work on Weston Road, drivers will be able to use the route to leave Stafford but those looking to use the inbound carriageway will need to follow diversion signs.

Gareth Mead, one of the community managers at Severn Trent who has overseen the project, said: "We understand that the work has been disruptive, it is a huge project for Stafford, but without the new pipes Stafford is not going to be able to grow and prosper in the future.

"It is almost short-term high intensity work for a longer term benefit. We want to thank people in Stafford for bearing with us, it has been vital work and we are almost there."