Work to install a new signalled junction in Burton has made good progress, with temporary traffic lights set to replace the full road closure this week.
Staffordshire County Council is installing four-way traffic lights at the junction of Henhurst Hill with Postern Road and Hopley Road to improve safety and help manage traffic in the area.
Over the last month, crews have carried out repairs to the road and started work to remodel the bus stop. This will change the point where buses enter the stop and create parking spaces for residents.
New speed limit signs have also been installed to extend the 30mph speed limit along Henhurst Hill with a 40mph buffer zone to deter speeding when the road fully reopens.
Maintenance crews have also taken the opportunity to bring forward pothole repairs in the area while the road is closed. This means the work can be completed without needing another road closure in the future.
From Friday 9 October, the full road closure will be replaced with temporary traffic lights, allowing traffic through the area while the remaining work is completed. This will also help traffic flow during the annual Screamfest at National Forest Adventure Farm this month.
The £500,000 scheme is expected to be completed in around a month.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said:
“I’m pleased to see good progress being made with the Henhurst Hill scheme, which was planned in response to local concerns about speeding and road safety.
“We know the road closure has caused some disruption, so it’s good news that we can now reopen the road to traffic while the rest of the work is completed.
“We’ve also made the most of the closure by bringing forward pothole repairs that were due to take place next year. This is exactly what our Roadmap to a Better Network plan is all about: tackling different issues at the same time to reduce disruption and make our roads better for the long term.”
The new 7.5 tonne vehicle weight limit is now in force along the B5017, from the bottom end of Shobnall Road at the Parkway roundabout to the Six Roads End junction with the A515 Draycott Cliff. The weight limit also applies to the B5234 Newborough Road from Fiveways Roundabout at Needwood up to its junction with the A515.
This measure was introduced in response to residents’ feedback about the level of noise disruption from HGVs travelling through the area, particularly at night.
New signs have been put up to make lorry drivers aware of the restriction. Enforcement will be the responsibility of Staffordshire Police. All HGV drivers will still be able to access Burton via the A38, A511 and A515.
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