A51 roadworks to be completed in two months

ROADWORKS on the A51 between Tamworth and Lichfield are set to continue until the end of March.

Temporary traffic lights and a 20mph speed limit have been in place since November as workers create a new roundabout as part of the redevelopment of Whittington Barracks.

Mike Maryon, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council, said the scheme was "still on programme".

He added: "We're working hard to make sure that traffic is kept moving as best as possible.

"The traffic signals are still being manually controlled at peak periods to maximise traffic flow efficiency through the roadworks.

"We'd like to thank travellers for their continued patience for any delays encountered."

Whittington Barracks is being transformed into the new "nationally important" Defence Medical Services complex which will house more than 1,100 personnel and deliver medical support to the armed forces.

The council's highways team is working with contractor Balfour Beatty for the Ministry of Defence, which is funding all the work.

The project includes building the roundabout, road widening, creating a new access road and new street lights.

The second phase of work will see the opening of the Midlands Medical Accommodation.

While the majority of personnel will be moving from Aldershot, it is expected that there will be jobs created locally.

The medical training facilities will have a learning centre, lecture theatre and accommodation.

When complete, the £138m complex which be central to delivering medical support to the whole of the UK's armed forces.