Drivers told to expect months of chaos for £2 million Staffordshire roads project

The £2 million project involving the strategic Churchbridge interchange in Cannock is due to start in the summer, it was revealed today.

The work incorporates three roundabouts connecting the A5, M6 Toll, A460 Cannock Eastern Bypass and the A34 in South Staffordshire.

The £2.03m of improvements will involve a series of lane realignments, of the carriageways of the A5 on the approaches to the roundabouts.

The junctions will also be moved to prevent 'pinch points' creating long queues.

The roundabout islands could also be made smaller to create more space for traffic to pass around them, so there is extra room for vehicles during rush hours improving the traffic flow.

But final, detailed plans are yet to be revealed.

The scheme is due to be completed by March 2015.

Local MP Gavin Williamson plans to raise the issue when he meets the roads minister in the new year.

"The last thing we want is the whole area becoming gridlocked when work starts, making what is already a dog's dinner of a junction even worse," he said.

Mr Williamson, who represents South Staffordshire, and Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley had lobbied for action at the junction over several months.

It was last rebuilt in 2004 for the opening of the M6 Toll but drivers have been caught up in long queues along the A460 and A34, particularly during rush hour.

Mr Williamson met Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin earlier this year to push the need for funding.

He said the work would sort out many long-standing problems at the spot.

Today he called on motorists to be patient when the scheme gets under way.

"My great hope is that when this work is completed that we will have a set of roundabouts that will greatly ease the congestion at this spot.

"In the meantime, motorists will need to exercise patience, as I believe it will be worth it in the long run."