Chaos for drivers as major Cannock roadworks start
Drivers faced traffic chaos as a major roadworks scheme got under way in one of the busiest areas of Cannock.
Traffic snarled up as motorists were stuck in long delays around Churchbridge - and have been warned the nightmare will last for four months.
Work has started at the three busy roundabouts where the A460 meets the A5, near the Renault garage and Orbital retail park. The dual carriageway has been partly reduced to a single lane, which resulted in traffic backing up at rush-hour yesterday morning.
The lane closures have been introduced only for initial works and delays could yet get more severe when road closures and long diversions come in from November 12 in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.
Traffic builds up on a daily basis at the congested islands and roads chiefs want to make changes to allow the flow to run smoother. The stretch of road linking the A5 from Bridgtown to the island at the Orbital Retail Park will be shut from November 12 until February 15.
Staffordshire County Council has pleaded with drivers to be patient during the project, which will aim to ease congestion and the notoriously busy intersection. It is being done in preparation for the arrival of the huge new McArthur Glen shopping development, which is being built off Lichfield Road.
The council has said it will provide more information around closures and diversions during November.
Cannock councillor Maureen Freeman said motorists should be prepared for a traffic nightmare at the roundabouts but stressed the work was necessary to improve the stretch.
She said: "We all knew it was going to be chaotic for a while. It's just unavoidable and we have had plenty of warning. It just has to be done - I don't know what else is the answer.
"I'm hoping everything will be really well signposted and that people take heed of all the warnings. It's going to be chaotic for four months through to February. The Orbital is very busy and the A5, people are getting their kids to school and it's just going to be chaotic.
"They are very important roadworks and the improvements will hopefully make things easier."
