Motorists advised of Sutton Coldfield works
Motorists are being advised that road works on a section of Lower Queen Street in central Sutton Coldfield are due to get underway from Sunday 16th March.
The essential works will take place over 16 weeks while the bridge that carries the ring road over Plants Brook is strengthened and upgraded to ensure it is better suited to increased levels of traffic.
Lane restrictions, which will see the road reduced to one lane during the first six weeks then increased to two lanes for the remainder of the works, will be required to allow the work to be carried out safely. The dedicated bus lane will be closed during the scheme and an alternative route for through-traffic not visiting the town centre will be signed.
An overnight closure will also take place on Sunday 16th March from 7pm until 6am while the work site and traffic management is put in place. Two further overnight closures will be required during the works to facilitate the switching and removal of traffic management.
Amey, who are carrying out the works in partnership with Birmingham City Council, are liaising with National Express and local businesses to minimise disruption to bus services and delivery vehicles.
Eddie Fellows, Highways Network Manager for Amey, said: “This is essential work but we understand the disruption that it may cause. Measures will be in place to try and alleviate the traffic pressure around the town centre by diverting through-traffic and we are working closely with National Express to ensure buses maintain access.
“We would urge visitors to the town centre to plan their journey in advance, leave a little extra time and, where possible, use public transport.”
Mike Bushell, Sutton Coldfield Town Centre BID manager added: “We are working with Amey and Birmingham City Council to ensure that the businesses in the town are prepared for when these works start. Sutton Coldfield remains open for business.”
Amey, working in partnership with Birmingham City Council, is responsible for ensuring that highways structure across Birmingham are maintained as part of the 25-year contract to upgrade and look after the city's road network.
The scheme to upgrade the bridge carrying Lower Queen Street has been programmed so the road can be fully reopened in time for the summer closures of the A38 tunnels in Birmingham City Centre.
Anyone who wants more information on the works should call 0121 303 6644.
Motorists are also advised that, during this period, Network Rail will also be completing works on the nearby rail bridge over Rectory Road. Both Network Rail and Amey are working together to ensure that traffic disruption is kept to a minimum. The rail bridge works are due to be completed in April.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
• In 2010, Amey won the Birmingham Highways Maintenance and Management Service contract to manage and maintain the city's roads over the next 25 years. The contract will see a huge investment into the city's road network and Amey is working in partnership with Birmingham City Council to deliver the contract. The works include refurbishment and improvement of the city's roads, footways, bridges, tunnels, street lighting and traffic control systems.
• Amey is a leading UK public and regulated services provider with over 21,000 employees.
• Amey operates over 320 contracts, providing an unrivalled range of services including utilities, highways, waste management, rail, justice solutions, social housing and facilities management. Services are underpinned by our leading consulting and asset management capabilities, which allow us to offer stand-alone or integrated service solutions to a range of clients.
For more information contact Lara Thorns on 07843368954, email admin@birminghamnewsroom.com
