Stafford anti-congestion scheme achieves crucial milestone

WORKS to support the structural design of an important new road scheme in Stafford have been completed.

Trial piles have been installed along one section of the Stafford Western Access Route, which is intended to ease congestion in the town centre.

The work will enable the project team to draw up final designs and ensure noise and vibration from the construction work is kept to a minimum.
 
Plans for the route were approved in November after the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership secured £16.1m for the project through the Government’s Local Growth Fund.
 
Staffordshire County Council’s economy, environment and transport leader Mark Winnington visited the site with LEP chair David Frost to check on progress.
 
Cllr Winnington said: “The trial works have gone well with nothing unexpected which is good news. This is the first physical work on the project so it is significant. It means the team can finalise the design and explore options to reduce the impact of the main works by finding the best way to build the new road.”

Mr Frost added: “The Stafford Western Access Route is one of a series of major developments that the LEP is working with the county council on as part of our strategic plan. It will build on the continued growth taking place in Stafford; unlocking future development and giving the town the transport infrastructure it needs.”
 
Tree and vegetation clearance works have also taken place along part of the route near the entrance to Sainsbury’s car park.

The whole scheme will be carried out in three sections – from Foregate Street to Doxey Road, along Doxey Road to include the rail bridge and then linking up to Martin Drive. Doxey Road will be realigned, a new roundabout built to replace the existing one and the rail bridge improved. New cycle paths will also be installed, along with a new pedestrian crossing on Martin Drive.