A comprehensive maintenance scheme which will mean safer and more reliable journeys using the A38 through Staffordshire is coming to an end.
The final cones will be removed from the busy dual carriageway this week marking the conclusion of the essential works between Fradley and Barton under Needwood.
National Highways has carried out a programme of vital work including resurfacing the carriageway, clearing vegetation, renewing safety barriers, drainage systems, upgrading street lighting and road markings.
The scheme has included the following works:
- 7513m of steel barrier replaced
- 700 street lights upgraded to energy efficient LED lamps
- 12,050 tonnes of new road surface laid
- 70k of white lining painted
- 888 gullies renovated
- 1000 sq m of low maintenance sedum planted
- 3300 sq m of grass seed scattered
- 24 new road signs erected
- 1,313 bags of litter and rubbish collected
The improvements have included upgrades which will make maintenance easier and less disruptive in the future such as new safety barriers designed and built with future maintenance, repair and renewal in mind so, for example, it will be easier to swap out a damaged stretch of barrier in one visit.
Similarly, the verge through Alrewas has also been planted with hardy sedum plants rather than grass to make it easier to maintain.
Some overnight carriageway closures have been taking place to allow the safe removal of the traffic management. The final full closure will be tonight (Tuesday 31 October) between 8pm and 6am, on the A38 northbound between Hilliard’s Cross and Branston. The remaining signage will then be removed under lane closures.
National Highways Programme Development Manager, Ian Doust, said: “This was a large, but essential scheme and the thousands of drivers who use the road every day will really reap the benefits with smoother roads, improved safety and more environmentally friendly lighting.
“To minimise disruption for road users, we did combine several maintenance schemes and carried out all the work at the same time under the same lane and road closures. We have also introduced measures to reduce the need for further maintenance disturbance.
“We are grateful to drivers for their patience while this important work was carried out.”
Some finishing works are still necessary and will be taking place over three weeks early next year but can be done with overnight closures.
During closures for the work, teams from the local authorities also took the opportunity to clear the route of litter and debris. Carrying out the work at this time also helps avoid the need for another road closure in the future.
