i54 access scheme set to continue throughout the summer
WORK on a Wolverhampton road improvement programme aimed at improving access to the city’s most important industrial development will continue through the summer.
The Wobaston Road Highway Improvement Scheme is aimed at making access easier to the i54 business development. The site is home to Jaguar Land Rover’s new £0.5bn engine plant and major operations for Moog and Eurofins.
The latest phase of the work, which includes the closure of Patshull Avenue, will continue during the coming weeks.
The junction was originally due to re-open to traffic earlier in the summer but, due to delays caused by utility companies encountering problems with the diversion of underground cables and pipes, it will now remain closed until August 30.
A shuttle bus that links the estate to services on Stafford Road will continue to run while the road remains closed. Existing diversions for all traffic will also remain in place.
The completed scheme will see the creation of an extra carriageway between Patshull Avenue and Vine Island, improved traffic signal junction at Patshull Avenue and better pedestrian and cycle facilities.
Works will also see the completion of the shared footpath and cycle lane from The Droveway to Vine Island. The £3.5m scheme is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Local Pinch Point Fund.
Cllr Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council’s cabinet member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “Unfortunately, this closure is taking longer than expected due to unforeseen problems with some underground pipes and cables that needed diverting.
“Workers also encountered a section of rock in the ground which took a lot longer to excavate through than anticipated. This was not shown on any of the surveys that were undertaken prior to the works.
“We appreciate this extended closure will have an effect on people in the area and we thank them for the patience they have shown so far.”
He said once completed, the scheme would support a development set to deliver a major economic boost to the area.
