Roadworks nightmare set to continue in vexed area of Halesowen (From Halesowen News)

Roadworks nightmare set to continue in vexed area of Halesowen

3:49pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in Local

THE nightmare for businesses and motorists is set to continue in a roadworks plagued area of Halesowen well into the Autumn.

For months there have been one way systems, delays and no-go areas around the Gorsty Hill and Coombs Wood area and Dudley Council have just announced it is set to continue.

The perfect storm of gas and water main replacements and road works have hit businesses hard.

The latest round of works, which will take place in three phases will affect A4099 Coombs Road, Haden Hill Road, Dudley Road and Furnace Hill and will run for approximately six weeks from today (Thursday).

Coombs Road and Gorsty Hill will still be one-way with downhill traffic switched to the other side of the road on the approach to the traffic signals.

Temporary signals will be in operation at the junction until the completion of this phase of October 10.

Phase two will start on Thursday, October 11 and at this time Coombs Road and Gorsty Hill will fully open to two-way traffic.

A spokesman for Dudley Council said: “However, works at the junction of Coombs Road/Haden Hill Road/Dudley Road/Furnace Hill will necessitate the use of four-way single phase, temporary traffic signals.

“Significant disruption to traffic is anticipated during this period and drivers are advised to seek an alternative route where possible. Phase two will take approximately two weeks to complete.”

Phase three of the works will start around October 26 and temporary traffic signals will still be in place, however, they will be multi-phased by this stage which means disruption will be reduced. It is anticipated that phase three will take approximately 10 days to complete.

Councillor Judy Foster, cabinet member for transport, said: “Dudley Council is co-ordinating the road works necessary for the critical replacement of gas and water mains which are being carried out by the utility companies.

“This will ensure that the works are completed at the least disruptive times and ahead of the cold winter months.

“While phase one of the works start today (Thurs), road users will see minimal disruption due to the fact that the temporary traffic signals will run to the same sequence as the permanent traffic signals.

“I would like to reiterate that phase two, which starts on 11 October for two weeks, is likely to be more disruptive, however, the council and utility companies are working together to keep this disruption to a minimum.”

She added: “I would like to thank all road users for their patience while we undertake this work and apologise in advance for any disruption it may cause.”

Jon Sharpe, founder of clothes recycling organisation Kids off the Streets based on Coombs Road, said: “These roadworks have been going on for months. We rely on people bringing in clothes for recycling and this is just getting beyond a joke, there are so many businesses and pubs in this area that are having their trade killed.”