Roadworks are ‘wreaking havoc’ with our services, say bosses at bus firm
A444 WORKS ON HOUSING ESTATE JUNCTION CAUSING LONG DELAYS
BOSSES at a Burton bus firm say long-running roadworks on the A444 near Burton are “wreaking havoc” with its services.
Midland Classic has said the last few days in particular have put a strain on services using the busy road, with passengers sitting in 40 -minute delays while work is completed on a nearby housing estate.
The Kiln Meadows estate, in Woodland Road, Stanton, has caused two years’ worth of misery for motorists heading to and from Burton and Swadlincote. Temporary traffic lights have been in place most of the time the work has been taking place, making the area the bane of drivers’ lives and seeing buses caught up in the frustrating delays.
But the end is almost in sight, which will be of huge relief to any motorist who travels regularly on the A444.
Housing developer Taylor Wimpey has apologised for the inconvenience and says the roadworks should finally be finished today. Much of the work has involved installing a turning into the new estate.
However, for the past few days, delays have been heavy while the road is surfaced.
Midland Classic said delays were easing off but it was still seeing 20-minute delays to Route 21.
On Thursday, bosses said in a statement on Facebook: “Route 21: The temporary lights on the A444 are still wreaking havoc with route 21, with buses queuing up to 40 minutes on the approach. There are long delays on the route.”
It added: “The situation on the A444 is still suffering very long queues. We have been advised by the county council that the roadworks should be removed later, will be back on Friday and completely finished by close of day on Saturday.”
The firm was even forced to put on extra buses to replace delayed services.
A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delays on the A444 Woodland Road.
“We can confirm that the roadworks are due to be completed by October 17, at which time the A444
Woodland Road will be fully reopened.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst these essential works have been carried out.”