Bridge reopens as part of town's regeneration plan

Bridge reopens ahead of schedule as multi-million-pound road project continues at pace

Doxey road railway bridge has reopened ahead of schedule after undergoing extensive refurbishment as part of a multi-million-pound project to support Stafford 's regeneration.

The Stafford Western Access Route will ease congestion in the town centre and lay the foundations for future growth. It will be completed this autumn after undergoing construction works that began in summer 2019.

The road will enable millions of pounds worth of new housing and business development to take place and will also improve traffic flow in the town centre, particularly by the railway station.

Staffordshire County Council 's cabinet member for highways and transport, David Williams said: “We 're pleased to announce the Doxey Road bridge has reopened ahead of schedule. This is another significant milestone for the project as it really begins to open up and we 're well on schedule for an autumn completion. Now the team is focusing on the viaduct works and final section of the route.

“The Stafford Western Access Route is a huge project for the town and Staffordshire, and one of the biggest engineering schemes the county council has undertaken in over a decade. It will support the development for homes and businesses which will be critical for Stafford 's future growth.

“The team has shown great commitment and hard work throughout the pandemic period. It has carried out comprehensive engagement with communities and businesses throughout which has been extremely important. ”

Completion of the bridge works follows a new section of road opening early this year, connecting Castlefields to Doxey.

Doxey Road has also been realigned and resurfaced, with a new roundabout providing access to the Sainsbury 's car park and the last stretch of the route to Madford Retail Park.

A new viaduct has been built over the River Sow to provide the connection to the retail park and the A34 Foregate Street. Seventy-two steel beams - each weighing 58 tonnes - form the base of the viaduct.

The road is being funded by developers and with £15.5 million secured by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Enterprise Partnership through the Government 's Local Growth Fund. Both the county and borough councils also contributed to the scheme.

People can view latest progress drone footage of the project at: https://youtu.be/8Jjh7DG1g4E

Pictured: David Williams at the Stafford Western Access Route site