Posted on Friday 27th August 2021
David Williams
Work to complete the final section of Lichfield’s southern bypass continues as the latest phase gets under way on Tuesday August 31.
The new section of road will complete what will be an essential part of the city’s infrastructure and support the delivery of new housing and future growth.
The £17.5million scheme will connect the A5127 Birmingham Road with the A5206 London Road. It has included building an underpass beneath the Cross City railway line.
Surfacing of the junction of Upper St John Street/Tamworth Road/London Road is taking place over the next fortnight and will be a major step towards completion of the project. This resurfacing will also extend along Upper St John Street to include the Borrowcop Lane junction. Shortbutts Lane will remain closed to through traffic during this time.
While work is taking place, these sections will be closed overnight from around 7pm until the early hours of the morning from August 31 until September 9. The team will make every effort to reduce the works period.
Pedestrian access will be maintained and a diversion route signed, running from Birmingham Road at Lichfield City Station, along Trent Valley Road, Cappers Lane and the A38. Traffic control gatemen will be operating at each of the closure points on London Road, Upper St John Street and Tamworth Road.
People who live within the closure zone and need access to their homes are being asked to approach the site from the point closest to their house and speak to the gateman at that location.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said:
The final phase of the Lichfield Southern Bypass is nearing completion which is great news. This is a huge project for Lichfield and Staffordshire – it will make a big difference to the city and spur its future growth.
We look forward to reduced congestion in the city centre, improved traffic flow and new homes. Work has continued at pace and safely through the pandemic period which is a credit to the project team.
Unfortunately, this latest phase will involve some road closures and so we would like to thank people for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience.”
The scheme is being funded by Persimmon Homes as part of a wider strategy for the bypass which includes major contributions from the Department for Transport (£5 million) and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership - which allocated £2.3m of its Growth Deal funding to the project.
The new road will link with a new housing development and primary school in addition to easing congestion in the city centre, particularly around the railway station.