The main activity in June will see work continue in preparation for the installation of the new bridge across the A50.
As mentioned in my previous update, the A50 westbound is scheduled to be closed overnight for five consecutive nights from Monday, 5 June to Friday, 9 June, to allow the delivery of six steel beams, each 47 metres long.
Once the beams are in the compound by the A50 they must be prepared for installation, which includes lifting each one by crane for safety equipment to be attached.
To minimise disruption and to keep everyone safe during a potentially dangerous operation the westbound carriageway is due to be closed again overnight from Monday, 19 June to Friday, 23 June inclusive.
The eastbound carriageway is not affected.
All closures will be between 8.00 p.m. and 5.30 a.m., apart from on Thursday, 8 June, when the westbound carriageway will close at 10.00 p.m.
The westbound A50 will be closed between the B5030 roundabout at Uttoxeter, where McDonald’s stands, and the A521 roundabout at Blythe Bridge.
Traffic will be diverted northwards from the A50 on to the B5030 for a few hundred yards to the roundabout with the A518. Traffic will turn right there, cross back over the A50 along The Dove Way and continue on the A518 clockwise around Uttoxeter and follow the road towards Stafford. Vehicles will then follow the A51 and A34 towards Stoke-on-Trent.
The Shell petrol station, which stands on the westbound carriageway a few hundred yards west of the B5030 roundabout, will open as normal and access will be maintained at all times via the A522.
Advance notices warning of the closures will be put in place by Highways England on its wider A-road and motorway network to encourage traffic to take alternative routes.
Traffic will be directed away from the A50 as much as possible and there will be a well signposted diversion in place for all traffic. I would like to thank people in advance for their patience and understanding.
Once delivery of the beams has begun there will be a 50mph temporary speed limit in place on the A50 westbound carriageway through the works area to support public and workforce safety.