Posted on Wednesday 24th January 2024
Branston Locks development site
A scheme bringing major improvements to a key Staffordshire gateway junction and support long-term future economic growth begins on February 10.
The multi-million-pound A38 Branston Interchange project will ease congestion and increase capacity. It includes creating additional lanes around the junction, on the slip roads and on Branston Road and Parkway. New traffic signals will also be installed.
A £6million allocation from the government’s Levelling Up Fund and a significant contribution from the main developer of the Branston Locks site, Nurton Developments, are funding the scheme. Work is set to be completed in spring 2025.
Early works will take place on Branston Road, where a one-way road closure will be needed from February 10, the start of the half-term week when there will be less traffic. This phase is due to be completed on February 28. During the closure period vehicles will be able to travel westbound on Branston Road from the A38 towards Tatenhill only. A diversion route will be signed via Tatenhill, Rangemore and Needwood.
In addition to improving traffic flow around the junction, the project provides key transport infrastructure for the ongoing homes and employment development at Branston Locks and Burton’s future economic growth.
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
The Branston Interchange junction is a key transport gateway into Burton and these vital improvements will bring long-term benefits to thousands of residents and businesses in the town and wider area.
It is a good example of infrastructure being provided to support new homes and business development providing better connectivity and helping attract investment and jobs. This is in addition to the new primary and secondary schools that have been included as part of Branston Locks.
We’re pleased the government recognised the significance of the Branston Interchange gateway which was detailed in our bid submission.
This is a major project for the county council. We understand there will be some disruption for which we’d like to apologise in advance for, but it is necessary to enable us to move forward in bringing future growth and prosperity to Burton and Staffordshire.”
National Highways project manager Harbinder Singh said:
We’ve been working closely with Staffordshire County Council and Nurton Developments on this important scheme which will reduce congestion and stimulate longer-term economic growth along the A38 corridor. We are delighted to see work starting and continue to liaise with both parties to do what we can to minimise disruption while work takes place on this part of our network.”
The county council has recently upgraded Burton’s northern A38 junction at Claymills and is making further improvements along the northern gateway route this year together with improvements on the east-west A511 to ensure all other routes into the town are accessible during the Branston works.
Regular updates on the scheme will be issued as it progresses.
Anyone wanting to find out more about the scheme should visit the project webpage.
People can contact the project team at: A38Branstoninterchange@staffordshire.gov.uk