The latest phase of road works on a main Wolverhampton route to support a major development will get underway this weekend.

A temporary road layout on the A449 Stafford Road at Vine Island, will come into effect on Sunday 12 May as work to construct a new roundabout at the site begins.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions this weekend, from 7pm on Friday 10 May until Sunday 12 May, to allow for contractors to prepare the roads for the work.

The temporary layout will be in place for approximately 4 months. Signage will be in place to alert drivers to the changed road layout.

This is part of the Stafford Road/Vine Island Highway Improvement Scheme that will see the junction transformed to support i54 South Staffordshire and handle the anticipated increase in traffic.

Among the features of the improved scheme, as well as the new roundabout, are new 'Toucan' crossings across Stafford Road and Wobaston Road to provide safer pedestrian access, a shared cycle and footway, a new service road to give safer access to shops and new car park spaces for shoppers and businesses.

The whole project, which began in September last year is anticipated to be completed by December 2013.

The traffic layout will change several times during the course of the scheme until it is finally completed. Intermittent road closures will be implemented during off peak hours as far as possible and works which could cause disruption will be avoided around heavy traffic times and on match days as far as practicable.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "The overall scheme is progressing well and everything is on track.

"This is a vital project to support the exciting i54 development which is already creating a host of economic benefits for the city with much more to come.

"This phase of work is a major piece of the overall jigsaw and will ultimately result in the creation of a new roundabout at Vine Island that will help us cope with the anticipated increase in traffic.

"Signs will be in place to ensure drivers are aware of the changes. And as the scheme continues, work on the highway will be carried out in off peak hours as far as possible to minimise disruption.

"Again, I want to thank motorists, residents and businesses for their patience and co-operation as we carry out this important highway improvement scheme."

  • released: Thursday 9 May, 2013