The latest phase of a Wolverhampton road improvement project to support a major regeneration scheme is now underway.

The Wobaston Road Improvement Scheme will see the creation of an extra carriageway between Patshull Avenue and Vine Island, a new traffic signal junction at Patshull Avenue, improved traffic signal scheme at Pendeford Business Park and better pedestrian and cycle facilities.

Works will also see the completion of the shared footpath and cycle lane, which will run from Pendeford Business Park to Vine Island.

The £3.5 million scheme, which is being part funded by the Department for Transport's Pinch Point Fund, is aimed at supporting the i54 South Staffordshire site and other businesses along Wobaston Road.

In order to complete this scheme, Patshull Avenue will be closed to vehicles, at its junction with Wobaston Road, from Monday 17 February for 16 weeks.

Motorists wishing to access Fordhouses estate can do so from Three Tuns Island on

Stafford Road (A449) via Marsh Lane. Similarly, vehicles from the Fordhouses estate wishing to access Wobaston Road will need to do so via Marsh Lane/Stafford Road. Pedestrian access will be maintained.

During the closure, bus services 3, 6, 6A, 25A and 25C will be unable to operate to their normal routes and will be diverted.

Wolverhampton City Council, National Express West Midlands and Centro are working closely to ensure residents do have access to public transport during the works and as a result, have arranged a temporary shuttle bus service, number 3E, to link the estate with services on Stafford Road.

Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "Work is progressing well on this vital project.

"This is an important phase of the scheme and we are on track to deliver a significantly improved transport route by next winter.

"We are working to minimise disruption by providing a shuttle bus and giving detailed information to residents and public transport users in advance.

"I would like to thank residents and road users for their patience and co-operation to date."

For further enquiries about bus route diversions, please call 0121 214 7214 or visit Type=links;Linkid=3173;Title=Network West Midlands;Target=_blank; or Type=links;Linkid=3174;Title=National Express West Midlands;Target=_blank;.

For enquiries about the highway improvement scheme, please contact City Direct on 01902 551155 or e-mail city.direct@wolverhampton.gov.uk

  • released: Tuesday 11 February, 2014