Milestone reached in major county road project

Work to install a new road over river bridge has begun as part of a multimillion-pound road project which aims to support growth and ease congestion in Stafford.

Seventy-two steel beams – each weighing 58 tonnes – will form the base of the bridge over the River Sow, providing the connection between Madford Retail Park and the section towards Doxey Road.

A 500-tonne crane lifted six beams a day into position over the last fortnight.

The bridge deck can then be built over the beams.

The Stafford Western Access Route project began last summer. The new road will enable millions of pounds worth of new housing and business development to take place.

It also aims improve traffic flow in the town centre, particularly by the railway station.

The road is being funded by developers and with £15.5m secured by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership through the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

Both the county and borough councils also contributed to the scheme.

The road will link the A34 Foregate Street at Madford Retail Park to the A518 Newport Road Castlefields junction. The road will help improve traffic flow in Gaol Square, Newport Road (east of Kingsway), Station Road, Chell Road, A34 Foregate Street (south of the scheme) and Doxey Road.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said: “The Stafford Western Access Route is a huge project for the county town and for Staffordshire. It is critical for Stafford’s future growth and so to see the progress so far – particularly considering pandemic restrictions – is rewarding to the county council, communities and our businesses.

“The route really is taking shape now and people can see how it will make a difference to the town – enabling both housing and business development and easing congestion in the centre of Stafford and near the railway station.
“The river bridge construction is a critical phase of the project, connecting the northern section to Doxey Road. We’re pleased we have been able to continue work safely through the pandemic.

“We have ensured communities have been kept informed and involved throughout the project and we are always keen for any feedback from residents and businesses.”