The next phase of works on A5 Watling Street will begin shortly to progress construction of the new access roundabout as part of the WMI development.

The works will involve reconstructing sections of the A5 carriageway around the new roundabout, including removing the existing road surface and underlying foundation materials before installing new stone and asphalt layers.

To enable this work to be completed safely and efficiently, four full weekend closures of the A5 between Gailey Roundabout and M6 Junction 12 will be in place from 9 October to 2 November. The closures will run from 8pm on Friday until 6am on Monday.

The closures have been carefully planned, with each weekend allowing the team to complete approximately 100 metres of carriageway reconstruction.

Here’s an overview of the work we’ll be completing during each weekend closure:

Weekend one (9-12 October) – western tie-in

The first weekend will focus on the tie-in of the western side of the carriageway to the new access roundabout.

The team will remove up to 800mm of the existing pavement and the underlying stone foundation before constructing the new foundation and pavement layers. Testing will be carried out as the new road is built, followed by the installation of new road markings.

Weekend two (16-19 October) – eastern tie-in

The second closure will focus on the eastern tie-in to the roundabout, continuing the reconstruction of the A5 and connecting the new road infrastructure to the existing carriageway.

Weekend three (23-26 October) – traffic switch and carriageway reconstruction

The third weekend will mark an important stage, with the traffic arrangement changing to allow road users to travel around the new access roundabout from 6am on Monday 26 October.

During the closure, the team will remove the temporary road surface, install new drainage and kerbs, and lay new pavement layers. Sections of the eastbound carriageway will also be reconstructed, including the foundation and pavement layers.

During the closure, the team will remove the temporary road surface, install new drainage and kerbs, carry out work on part of the internal road on the eastern side, and lay new pavement layers. Sections of the eastbound carriageway will also be reconstructed, including the foundation and pavement layers.

Once complete, new temporary road markings and traffic management will be put in place ahead of the Monday morning switch to safely guide road users through the new road layout.

Weekend four (30 October-2 November) – surfacing and finishing works

The final closure will focus on completing the remaining surfacing and finishing works around the roundabout and A5 approaches.

This will include completing the final sections of road build up on the west bound carriage, surfacing the roundabout and A5 approaches and installing remaining kerbs.

Managing the impact on road users

The A5 will be fully closed in both directions between the A449/A5 Gailey Roundabout and M6 Junction 12 during each weekend closure. A fully signed diversion route will be in place, directing traffic via the A449 Stafford Road, M54, A460 Cannock Road and M6 before rejoining the A5 Watling Street. Our interactive map also provides information on the closures.

The weekend closures are an important part of the programme, providing the construction team with sustained access to the working area to complete our activities safely. We recognise that these works may impact road users and local communities, and we aim to minimise disruption as much as possible.

Further updates will be provided as the works progresses, via the Community Hub.