A500 Stoke on Trent (Etruria to Porthill) improvement update
Work on the A500 Etruria to Porthill improvement scheme is continuing on schedule despite setbacks caused by the recent adverse weather.
The majority of street lighting columns have been erected and work to reconstruct the footpath is ongoing. From next week, as announced in the original notification of works, the speed limit through the roadworks will reduce from 50mph to 40mph to facilitate work on the new central reservation and complete work on the lighting columns, footpaths and safety fencing.
The reduction in speed limit reflects the fact that these works will now affect the central reservation as well as the roadside and therefore pose more of a risk to road users and roadworkers.
As the improvement scheme moves into its second phase, overnight closures will be in place each night to facilitate the works. Road users are advised to continue to follow the diversion signs that are in place during these closures.
John Steel, Highways Agency project sponsor, said;
“Speed restrictions, cones, barriers and signs are there for a reason – to protect our workers from danger and to keep road users safe. I urge all drivers to obey speed restrictions and pay close attention to safety when driving through roadworks.
“The Highways Agency is committed to minimising delays when carrying out road improvements and this scheme will improve safety on the route due to the new surface, lighting and central reservation.”
Throughout March, the Highways Agency’s ‘Respect Our Roadworkers’ campaign will be reminding drivers to take extra care when driving through roadworks, both for their own safety and that of hundreds of workers who keep our roads safe and well maintained.
Between 2003 and 2008, 11 roadworkers were killed and 104 were seriously injured while working on motorways and major A roads in England.
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