Bentley Mill Way finally reopens in M6 boost

Bentley Mill Way in Darlaston was shut in October 2014 for work to commence on lowering the road beneath the grade II listed James Bridge Aqueduct in order to make it easier for lorries to pass through.

The scheme was due to finish at the end of last year but has dragged on due to issues with the road surfacing.

But now Walsall Council has reopened the route which has also marked the end to a £26million highways improvement scheme in the wider Darlaston area.

The Department for Transport has provided £14.3million towards the project.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: "The opening of Bentley Mill Way marks the successful completion of the Darlaston scheme that will give Walsall and the Black Country a major economic boost, cut congestion and improve journeys.

"The government is providing a record £12 billion to local areas for schemes like this. We are delivering the biggest investment in roads in a generation that will help businesses, create jobs and help the economy grow."

Deputy council leader Lee Jeavons added: "I saw the beginning of this project and it is very gratifying to see it completed. This project is more than just a means of getting people from A to B, though that will be an undoubted benefit.

"The real benefit of this project is that it unlocks the potential of the area, providing a number of sites which we hope will attract new investment, business and jobs. This can only be good for our town and our residents."

The improvement scheme, referred to as the Darlaston Strategic Development Area Access Project, also included similar works on Bentley Road South which reopened in March after being shut since 2013.

Despite delays along the way Dawnus Construction received an award for innovation from the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation for the work which involved more than 370,000 hours of labour.

Contracts manager Angus Watson said: "The completion of this project is a proud moment for Dawnus Construction. Our team have worked tirelessly to deliver this high profile project in close collaboration with Walsall MBC with over 370,000 hours worked by the construction team.

"We have overcome some significant technical challenges along the way and have achieved a high quality end product producing local employment with traffic flows significantly improved. The Dawnus Construction team complete this project with great satisfaction.'"