Work to install a new signalled junction in Burton will begin next month, along with measures to reduce the number of lorries travelling through residential areas.
This highways improvement project, delivered by Staffordshire County Council, will see four-way traffic lights installed at the junction of Henhurst Hill with Postern Road and Hopley Road.
The scheme, developed in response to feedback from local residents, will use the latest ‘vehicle-actuated’ technology (MOVA) to ensure signals only turn green when needed, reducing unnecessary delays and adapting to real-time traffic conditions
The existing 30mph speed limit will be extended further along Henhurst Hill and a 40mph buffer zone will also be introduced to encourage safer driving and address local concerns about speeding.
Work will begin from Tuesday 1 September under a road closure with traffic being diverted along the A511 and A515.
Then, after around a month, the road will reopen under temporary traffic lights to allow travel to the annual Screamfest at National Forest Adventure Farm in October.
The project is expected to take around two months to complete.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said:
"This scheme is a direct response to concerns from residents about speeding and safety at this crossroads. As someone who lives locally, I know how important it is that we get this junction right.
"We've also listened to concerns from local businesses about traffic at busy times. The new technology will allow us to monitor how the junction is working and make adjustments if needed.
"It strikes a balance between making the junction safer and keeping traffic moving as smoothly as possible."
As part of this scheme, the bus stop that sits at the junction will be remodelled to change the point of entry for buses and parking spaces will be created for residents in the area.
A 7.5 tonne weight limit is also being introduced 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 will also apply to the B5234 Newborough Road from Fiveways Roundabout at Needwood up to its junction with the A515.
This measure is being introduced to minimise the number of lorries travelling along Forest Road and Shobnall Road, after residents fed back that they caused a lot of noise disruption, especially at night.
The weight limit, which will apply from 7 September, will only allow lorries to pass through if they need to access a business that sits within the restricted area. Enforcement will be the responsibility of Staffordshire Police. All HGV drivers will still be able to access Burton via the A38, A511 and A515.
Peter Mason added:
"People should not have to put up with being woken up in the night by heavy goods vehicles travelling through quiet residential areas.
"This new weight limit should mean fewer HGVs using these residential roads and quieter nights for the people who live here."
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