Next phase of work begins major growth-boosting road project

The next phase of a multimillion-pound road project which will support growth and ease congestion in Stafford begins next week.

Construction of the Stafford Western Access Route began last summer. The new road will enable millions of pounds worth of new housing and business development to take place. It will also improve traffic flow in the town centre, particularly by the railway station.

Next week work will begin to divert a gas main on Madford Retail Park off Foregate Street. For work to be carried out safely, a one-way system is being implemented along Greyfriars Place for around eight weeks. This will allow southbound traffic only from Screwfix to the mini-roundabout next to Tenpin bowling. Access will be maintained at all times via the signed diversion route. While this phase of the scheme is carried out, on street parking along the one-way section will be suspended.

Meanwhile at the Doxey Road section, driven piling work is continuing. This phase will be cut by around three weeks and finish in mid-March after a second piling rig was brought on site.

The western access route 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 economic growth leader Mark Winnington said: “The Stafford Western Access Route is an essential part of Stafford’s ambitious growth plans. It will enable future development contained in the borough’s local plan – notably the delivery of thousands of new homes and business, office and retail space. It will also reduce congestion in the town centre, particularly around the railway station.

“Next week work will begin to divert a gas main at Madford Retail Park. This will mean a temporary one-way system will be introduced on Greyfriars Place.

“At the Doxey Road section we have introduced a second piling rig on site which is enabling us to significantly reduce this phase.

“We continue to keep in contact with local residents, businesses and partner organisations to keep them up to date with the project.”

In December a temporary roundabout opened on Doxey Road, providing access to the Sainsbury’s and borough council car park until the realigned permanent roundabout opens. Demolition of the old Saint Gobain buildings on Doxey Road is nearly complete, paving the way for a new roundabout and future development.