Work to create a pedestrian link that will connect a new Wolverhampton supermarket to the city centre is underway.

The project to create a new controlled crossing across Ring Road St Mark's has started in Peel Street car park to support the new Sainsbury's development that is being constructed on Raglan Street.

This is the first stage of work for the pedestrian and cycle link project and is anticipated to last until 2 May.

As well as the new crossing, the scheme will involve landscaping and resurfacing works as well as the installation of guard rail fencing.

Sainsbury's are funding the whole road improvement project while the construction of the new Raglan Street store takes shape.

Earlier this year, work began to provide an additional lane on Ring Road St Mark's approach to Chapel Ash Island. Junction improvements have also been carried out at Chapel Ash and on Penn Road.

Sainsbury's started work on the new store last October and the development is expected to be completed in the summer.

Tim Johnson, Wolverhampton City Council's Strategic Director for Education and Enterprise, said: "This is a significant part of the development.

"Sainsbury's will attract many new shoppers to the store and the pedestrian link will provide them with a quick and convenient walkway into the markets and the wider city centre.

"The car park will remain open throughout this phase and disruption will be kept to a minimum, with only a small number of spaces closed while work is carried out.

"Good progress is being made with the store and this represents a significant investment in the city, bringing scores of new jobs and providing a shot in the arm for the economy."

The second phase of the pedestrian link scheme will see a new entrance created for Market car park and a new footpath installed. This is anticipated to get underway in May and further information will be released in due course.

  • released: Thursday 19 April, 2014