Staffordshire infrastructure scheme to be completed ahead of schedule
A MAJOR road improvement scheme to support increased economic growth by capitalising on demand for Staffordshire excavator manufacturer JCB’s products, will be completed months ahead of schedule.
Staffordshire County Council successfully bid to the Government’s pinch-point fund – which aims to remove bottle necks restricting economic growth – for the scheme in East Staffordshire and the Moorlands. It will result in junction improvements on the A50 to Alton corridor, easing traffic flow around Rocester – home to JCB’s world headquarters – and north around Denstone towards Alton Towers.
The improvements on the B5030 at the Station Road and High Street junctions have already been completed, with new roundabouts installed on the junctions to improve traffic flow.
Work, which began in November, is now switching to the next phase of the scheme which will see a new roundabout installed at Denstone at the junction of the B5031 and B5032. This work is beginning six months ahead of schedule following discussions with local businesses.
As the project is taking place during summer months, there is less chance of delays due to weather and longer working hours means it will be more cost effective. The new roundabout will replace a t-junction to cater for larger vehicle movements. It will be built on land off the road, causing minimal disruption to traffic.
Staffordshire County Council leader and local county councillor Philip Atkins said: “The A50 to Alton corridor improvements on the B5030 shows how we are delivering major projects that will have real long-term benefits for the county.
“We successfully bid for Government funding and needed to turn the project around as quickly as possible to demonstrate our commitment to increasing jobs, growth and connections in Staffordshire and cause minimum disruption. Through effective planning and efficient working we are now well ahead of schedule.”
Mark Turner, JCB Group Managing Director of Business Operations added: “The completion of the B5030 roundabouts really helps our Rocester operations. The flow of traffic into and out of JCB’s World Headquarters is much improved which is a benefit to JCB obviously.”
Transport Minister Patrick McLoughlin announced the pinch-point plans as part of a £190m package of national improvements last year.
