Roadworks to last four months at crucial Cannock junctions

Road closures and temporary traffic lights will be in place at the three busy roundabouts where the A460 meets the A5 – leaving motorists having to negotiate nightmare diversions in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.

Preparations works will start next week which will result in lane closures near Churchbridge before the scheme ramps up on November 12 when full road closures will come in.

The work will aim to improve traffic flow around the roundabouts in readiness for the arrival of the huge new McArthur Glen shopping development, which is being built off the A460.

But drivers could be left facing misery while the work – due to last until February – is carried out.

Traffic builds up on a daily basis at the congested island 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 said more information on the closures and diversions would be released at the start of November.

Drivers have been asked to be patient while the work takes place either side of Christmas. Roads boss Councillor Helen Fisher said: “Some preparatory work is scheduled to begin on the A460 Chruchbridge in Cannock on Monday ahead of major improvement works in the area beginning next month.

“While the drainage and kerb works will mainly take place off road, lane closures will need to be put in place. We would therefore ask people to allow additional travel time.”