Work will start next week on the second phase of a highway improvement scheme – part of the ongoing £35 million investment in the city’s road and pavement network.
The scheme at the junction of Weston Coyney Road and Sutherland Road, in Longton, will involve introducing a new junction layout and design and changing traffic priorities to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance pedestrian safety. There will also be a new pavement and pedestrian island, dropped kerbs around the junction and the resurfacing of existing pavements.
Construction work is set to begin on Monday, November 8th and will last for approximately 18 weeks, with temporary lights in operation for the duration of the works to ensure the safety of the workforce and the public.
The first phase of the works commenced earlier this year in March, which saw improvements to the junction of Uttoxeter Road and Meir Hay Road, near Longton Fire Station. Works included installing a new signal-controlled pedestrian crossing with intelligent adaptive signal technology to reduce delays at the junction, improved junction visibility and resurfaced pavements.
Cllr Daniel Jellyman, cabinet member for infrastructure, regeneration and heritage, said: “Anyone who uses this junction on a regular basis will know how busy it can get during the day, and how difficult it can be to pull out on to Sutherland Road or pull in to Weston Coyney Road. This scheme is about implementing a new layout and design of the junction to improve traffic flow, making it easier to get from A to B, and improving pedestrian safety. It’s another example of how we are tackling congestion at known pinch points in the city like Joiners Square and Bucknall New Road, to speed up journeys, reduce pollution from idling engines stuck in traffic and support businesses and the economy.
“Stoke-on-Trent is on the up and to make sure we continue to grow and attract investment, making improvements to our core infrastructure is essential. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption while this important upgrade scheme is carried out. There might be some short-term pain but the long-term result will be improved traffic flow and better infrastructure in the city which benefits everybody.”
Access to properties will be maintained for the duration of the works, although delays are to be expected. There will be some night working for one week towards the end of the programme, with the rest of the work scheduled to be completed during the day.
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