Work getting underway on new multi-million pound ring road

Work on a new multi-million pound outer ring road is getting underway - a council have announced.

Staffordshire County Council say the Stafford Western Access Route (SWAR) will:

• Enable 'millions of pounds worth of new housing and business development' to take place
• Improve traffic flow in Stafford town centre, particularly near the railway station
• Create improved conditions for bus services, pedestrians and cyclists
• Provide environment benefits as derelict land is redeveloped and landscaped

The road project will link the A34 Foregate Street at Madford Retail Park to the A518 Newport Road at Castlefields Junction - helping to improve traffic flow in Gaol Square, Station Road, Chell Road, Doxey Road, Newport Road (east of Kingsway) and the A34 Foregate Street (south of the scheme).

Most of the work will be off the current road network and disruption is set to be kept to a minimum, with much of the work not due to start until 2021.

There will however be some closures, including:

• Road closures on Doxey Road and Greyfriars at its junction with Madford Retail Park
• Some land closures on the A34 Foregate Street (although traffic will be able to use other lanes)
• A full closure of Doxey Road for a weekend in early 2021.
• Another four week closure of Doxey Road in 2021 - although Staffordshire County Council say a new section of road from Doxey Road to Castlefields will be open by then, meaning there is only a short diversion onto Newport Road.

Staffordshire County Council’s economic growth leader Mark Winnington said:  "The Stafford Western Access Route is an essential part of Stafford’s ambitious growth plans.

"It will enable future development contained in the borough’s local plan – notably the delivery of thousands of new homes and business, office and retail space.

"It will also reduce congestion in the town centre, particularly around the railway station.

"We’re now pleased to have got started on construction work. Around 130 people attended our information event and we received some really positive feedback on how this route will make a real difference to the town.

"As most of the construction will be taking place off the existing road network we are confident that any disruption will be minimal. We have coordinated the scheme so that traffic coming from Doxey during the four-week bridge closure will only face a short diversion on the new section of road through Castlefields.

"We will be keeping in contact with local residents, businesses and partner organisations throughout the scheme.”

On Friday the project's team met on the site to mark the start of construction of the two year project - with around 130 people attending a public information event in June.

Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said:  "Everyone has worked hard to get us to the stage now where work is beginning on such an important project for Stafford.

"Building new homes and commercial development on the western side of town can only happen with this road in place. In addition to bringing in multi-million pounds’ worth of investment into Stafford, it will also reduce congestion in the town centre.

"This will support the ambitious growth plans around the railway station which will enhance one of the main gateways to Stafford.”

The road, which is expected to cost around £30m, is being funded by developers and £15.5m secured by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership through the Government’s Local Growth Fund.

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership deputy chairman Alun Rogers said:  "We are seeing the delivery of major Local Growth Fund projects across Staffordshire which demonstrates the success of our effective working with partners.

"The Stafford Western Access Route is vital for the town’s future growth.

"Improving transport infrastructure attracts new business and helps to retain existing companies, enabling them to grow and thrive.As the owner of a business in Stafford and as a resident I know how important this is. It has been a long process to get to this stage and so we’re pleased to see construction work begin.”

Frances Beatty, cabinet member for economic development and planning at Stafford Borough Council, said: "There has been an enormous amount of investment in our borough already – with plans and projects in the pipeline for much more.

"This demonstrates the confidence businesses have in locating to Stafford and they always cite our connectivity as one of the main reasons to set up, or relocate, in the area.

"One of those ambitious projects is the Stafford Station Gateway redevelopment which will lead to the transformation of land alongside our train station.

"But investment in infrastructure is integral to facilitate this growth in our borough so I am pleased construction work on this key route is now underway.”

Minister for Local Growth, the Rt Hon Jake Berry MP, added:  "We are committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the Midlands Engine and ensuring that no towns are left behind.

"With £15.5 million of investment from the Government’s Local Growth Fund, this new access route will not only provide faster roads and improved transport to and from Stafford, it will also support new housing, infrastructure and economic development across the region.”

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