New junction improves traffic flow

Traffic flow on one of the main routes into Stafford has been improved after the completion of a junction upgrade on the A518. 

Improvements to the junction on the A518 east of Stafford have been completed – improving traffic flow and providing the new entrance to an expanding Beacon Business Park.

A new roundabout has been built at the junction with Blackheath Lane, which is the main route into the town from the east. The Beacon Business Park extension could create up to 2,000 jobs and has been made possible by a partnership between the developer ISE Estates and Staffordshire County Council and supported by the local enterprise partnership. A new pedestrian crossing and cycle lanes have also been installed. This stretch of the A518 serves a high school, the police headquarters and the fire station.

Now major development on site can start, including various sized plots on an extension which will triple the park’s size. The site will be occupied by a range of businesses from different sectors and include a restaurant and convenience store. It will provide mixed use land including freehold, leasehold, and design and build packages of varying sizes up to 100,000sqft.

ISE Estates and the county council successfully bid for £1.7million from the Department for Transport’s local pinch point fund. The fund is aimed at easing congestion around potential ‘bottle-necks’ to support jobs and growth.

Staffordshire County Council’s economy leader Mark Winnington said: “It is rewarding to see work completed on this new junction and business park entrance. It means the creation of up to 2,000 jobs is a step closer and traffic flow will be improved on one of the main routes into Stafford.”

 

Pictured above: Alison Park from ISE Estates with Mark Winnington at the new junction and works at Beacon Business Park