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As you will be aware, Staffordshire County Council is carrying out a major junction improvement project on the A50 at Uttoxeter on behalf of Highways England. The A50 is the most important transport link between the East and West Midlands and the junction improvements, when complete, will help create a safer, more accessible network and keep traffic moving, while unlocking economic growth with support for new jobs and homes. The project involves realigning the A522 and the construction of a new bridge to carry the A522 over the A50. Next month, utilities along the existing A522 will be relocated in preparation for the realignment. Unfortunately the road is not wide enough to remain open to traffic while the work is carried out. Therefore a short section of the A522 will need to be closed just north of the A50 for up to five days, from Monday 12 December until Friday 16 December to allow the teams to carry out this task safely. We are required to identify a diversion route along similar roads to the closed section. The chosen diversion is the only acceptable route as it has to be suitable for all traffic, including HGVs. The route will be clearly signed. Vehicles travelling South on A522 There will be little impact on vehicles travelling south on the A522 towards Uttoxeter: they will be diverted onto the A50 just past JCB World Parts for a short distance to the B5030 roundabout where they can then proceed into the town. Vehicles travelling East on A50 Any vehicles travelling east along the A50 towards JCB World Parts will be able to exit the road on the slip road onto the A522 as normal. Vehicles travelling North West on A 522 The diversion for vehicles travelling north- Draycott, Tean, Checkley and Fole Vehicles travelling to Draycott, Tean, Checkley and Fole will not travel the full diversion route. The project to upgrade the A50 was announced at the end of 2013 as part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan. The Highways England investment is part of a £1.8 billion investment to modernise the Midlands strategic road network. The opening of the realigned A522 is on schedule for early 2017. Importance of the A50 The A50 is the most important transport link between the East and West Midlands and
the planned improvements will also benefit major employers and their employees between
Stoke- Highways England’s investment in this key highway is part of a huge £1.8 billion investment to modernise the Midlands strategic road network. This investment will help create a safer, more accessible network and keep traffic moving, while unlocking economic growth with support for new jobs and homes. Staffordshire County Council is delivering these improvements on behalf of Highways England. We will continue to update you as the project progresses. Thank you. Yours sincerely Cllr. Mark Winnington |