Delays on the way as roadworks start in Walsall town centre
Hatherton Road will be closed to all vehicles between the junctions of Hatherton Street and Lower Forster Street in Walsall, causing long delays.
The water main renewal and resurfacing works are expected to be completed by September 4.
Business owners today raised concerns over the impact of the disruption on their customers and urged residents to remember they were open as usual.
As part of the work, Hatherton Street will be subject to one way traffic between Littleton Street East and Hatherton Road. Walsall Council, which has appointed contractors to carry out the work, said traffic will be able to flow in a northbound direction along those roads.
Motorists can use Hatherton Street by using a signed diversion route. That will run through Littleton Street West, Stafford Street, St Paul's Street and Hatherton Road.
For buses on Hatherton Road both the bus and contra-flow bus lane will be blocked off. Access to Walsall Bus Station will be available from St Paul's Street in Walsall.
A Walsall Council traffic report states: "Long delays to traffic are expected – particularly at peak travel times. Drivers are advised to consider the use of alternative routes and/or parking where possible."
They are the latest roadworks in the town centre after another major scheme was undertaken last month.
Resurfacing works shut off Caldmore Road, Vicarage Road, Lower Hall Lane, Mountrath Street, Upper Hall Lane and Dudley Street for seven nights and early mornings last month.
Those roads were closed while works take place to ensure the safety of workers, motorists and pedestrians, Walsall Council said.
At the time, Councillor Aftab Nawaz, who represents the St Matthew's ward, said: "It is obviously going to have an effect on the current situation but I am sure it's there to improve it.
"But a lot of things will have an impact. I am sure officers will work to make it less."
The chief executive of Hatherton Road-based Steps to Work said he had 'mixed feelings' about the work.
James Walsh said he knows it is necessary but is also aware it will cause congestion, particularly at peak times.
He said: "At five o'clock on any work day it is bad. I can only assume next week and the week after will be challenging."
