Frequently asked questions in relation to the night-time road closures at Weeping Cross
What was the thinking behind the traffic management decisions taken for this project?
The main reasons for the traffic management decisions on this project are shown here:
What time do the night-time closures start?
Cones will go across the roads at 8pm sharp.
At the end of each night, the roads will re-open when it is safe to do so. This will be before 6am.
Why don’t the night-time closures start later?
Discussions with the contractors and suppliers indicated that the work would need to be spread over more nights if it started later.
I live in Baswich/Walton/Wildwood etc. How can I get to town after 8pm?
Diversion routes will be signed, but these need to be suitable for all traffic and are very long. If you live locally and drive a light vehicle, you are likely to know other routes that are more convenient for you.
For the journey towards Stafford town centre, the only routes closed are:
- Radford Bank
- Weeping Cross double mini-roundabout junction and approaches for 200 metres in each direction
- The northern end of Baswich Lane over the narrow bridges
For the journey from Stafford town centre towards the southeast, the only routes closed are:
- Radford Bank
- Weeping Cross double mini-roundabout junction and approaches for 200 metres in each direction
All other roads will be open.
Why is the one-way operation over the bridges on baswich lane staying in place during the night-time closures?
When the temporary one-way system over Baswich Lane bridges was first introduced at the start of September, there were several instances of people trying to drive against the one-way flow. This settled down soon and we are only aware of isolated incidents of drivers trying to travel the wrong way since.
We are concerned that if two-way traffic is introduced overnight, it will create uncertainty about what the arrangements are and some drivers may attempt to take the same route during the day that they successfully took at night.
Also, at present, drivers who have been using the one-way are not expecting other people to be coming in the other direction which would present an additional risk.
Opening the bridges to two-way traffic is likely increase the chance of accidents and would make it more difficult for ambulances to get through.
Is it ok to travel against the flow on a temporary one-way section if it is quiet and there is no-one around?
No. The one-way orders are legally enforceable in exactly the same way as for a permanent one-way street. Travelling against the flow is not only against the law, it may also invalidate your insurance.
How do emergency vehicles get through the road closures at Weeping Cross junction?
Emergency vehicles can still get through the closed section of road. Equipment will be moved as quickly as possible to let them pass in a potentially life-or-death situation.