Media centre

Tuesday 21 Mar 2006

IMPORTANT TRAFFIC INFORMATION – LICHFIELD ROAD, ARMITAGE WITH HANDSACRE

Region & Route:

Construction work will start next month on a temporary bridge and associated road realignment over the railway at Lichfield Road in Armitage with Handsacre. When complete, the new bridge will allow Lichfield Road to remain open to traffic whilst the existing bridge is demolished and replaced, so reducing inconvenience to local residents. During the four week construction period, traffic lights will be in operation on Lichfield Road to ensure traffic can continue to use the existing bridge safely whilst the temporary one is constructed alongside it. Once complete, the temporary bridge will allow two way traffic, and the existing one will be closed and demolished. The work is part of the Trent valley four tracking railway improvement scheme that doubles the number of tracks from two to four through Lichfield, Tamworth and Armitage with Handsacre. Traffic lights continue to stay in place at New Road. New Road, along with Old Road and Lichfield Road, will be subject to short term road closures to allow work to be carried out to the bridges. Network Rail has consulted with Staffordshire Highways and agreed appropriate diversionary routes, which will be well signposted. Excavation work to widen the track cuttings and embankments throughout Armitage with Handsacre will continue over weekends, including the Easter holiday when no trains are running. Every effort will be made to ensure that excavation work adjacent to residential properties is carried out during daylight hours. Senior Programme Manager for TV4, Keith Riley, said: “Whilst we recognise this essential improvement work will have an impact on the community, we are doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum. The West Coast main line sits right at the heart of Armitage with Handsacre and crosses two busy roads and the canal. By building a temporary road bridge at Lichfield Road and effectively managing traffic in the area we hope to reduce the impact of this vital work. Drivers should try and plan their journeys ahead of time and take extra care on the roads while this work is being carried out. “ An information centre is being held at Armitage Village Hall, 4 April 10am to 8pm for local people to find out more about the project.