Highways chiefs pledge relief from roadworks

May 21 2008 By Emma Cullwick

HIGHWAYS chiefs today pledged to complete some major West Midlands roadworks by the weekend in a bid to stop traffic chaos during the big Bank Holiday getaway.

To prevent roads from becoming clogged, the Highways Agency says it is pulling out all the stops to complete a series of road works in the region by tomorrow, including work on the M42 near Redditch, Worcestershire, and the M6 in many parts of Staffordshire.

It has also promised to temporarily suspend some work between 6am on Friday and midnight on Monday at the A500/A34 Hanford Island in Staffordshire, which is expected to become deluged with families.

However, Roads Minister Tom Harris said narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit for work to improve the M42/M6 link near Water Orton would have to remain in place to ensure the safety of motorists.

"We are doing everything we can to help drivers with their Bank Holiday journeys," he said.

"As well as removing as many roadworks as possible, we are also provides a number of information services that will help drivers heading for an extended break or day out.

"The roads will be busy, so I urge drivers to plan their journeys using travel information available on websites and radio bulletins."

* For information about traffic conditions, visit www.trafficradio.org.uk or www.highways.gov.uk