12/12/2013
A MAJOR road scheme implemented to improve access to the key i54 business park in South Staffordshire has been completed ahead of schedule.
The Vine Island/Stafford Road Highway Improvement Scheme was designed to support the i54 development by making it easier for the road network to cope with the anticipated increase in traffic using the site.
The work has seen the remodelling of the roundabout and enhancements to the Bee Lane/Stafford Road junction.
Other features include new ‘Toucan’ crossings across Stafford Road and Wobaston Road to provide safer pedestrian access, a shared cycle and footway, a new service road to give safer access to shops and new car park spaces for shoppers and businesses.
The scheme had been anticipated to finish by the end of this year but the work has been completed around four weeks early.
Cllr Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council’s cabinet member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: “This is an extremely important project that is supporting the exciting i54 development which is already providing a huge boost to the local economy.
“By improving the Stafford Road/Vine Island junction, we have ensured that we are in a position to accommodate anticipated increased traffic that i54 will bring.
“We have worked hard to get this finished as quickly as possible in order for the area to reap the benefits and keep disruption down to a minimum.”
i54 is being developed in partnership between Wolverhampton City Council, Staffordshire County Council and South Staffordshire Council.
The site, designated as part of the Black Country Enterprise Zone, is expected to bring thousands of jobs and provide a major economic stimulus to the area.
Key development on the site is the £0.5bn Jaguar Land Rover engine plant, which is creating 1,400 new jobs. In addition, Moog and Eurofins have already set up bases at the site and last month, ISP (International Security Printers), started work on a new five-acre development.
Further highway improvements to support i54 are currently underway at Wobaston Road. The £3.6m scheme is expected to create a significantly improved transport route for residents and businesses and is expected to be complete by winter 2014