Roadworks to last three months longer than planned
GoogleRoadworks in the centre of Wolverhampton will go on for three months longer than planned due to the need for emergency repairs.
A six-month road closure on Darlington Street between Chapel Ash Island and Red Lion Street was due to end next month, but the council said it would now run until October.
The road was shut as part of a two-and-a-half-year £19m city-centre transformation scheme that began in January.
Utility companies had to intervene after recent excavations found a water main in poor condition, BT chambers that needed urgent work, and cellars that had to be filled to avoid subsidence, the council said.
According to the authority, Severn Trent Water cannot start the mains work until the end of the month, a situation which has temporarily halted development on the southside carriageway.
The delays were described by a spokesperson as "out of the council's and [developer] Taylor Woodrow's control".
"We appreciate this is frustrating and we will continue to do everything in our power to minimise disruption caused by these unforeseen issues with utility providers," said the council's cabinet member for city development Chris Burden.
He added the works were the next steps in plans to "enable people to better enjoy our city centre" following improvements to North Street and Victoria Street.
City of Wolverhampton CouncilPedestrian access to business would be maintained during the lengthened closure period, the council said.
It added the site works schedule had been adjusted and overall city centre improvements were still on course to be completed by summer 2027.
The revamp follows consultation with residents and businesses and aims to improve lighting, create more greenery and make the area easier to access for buses, cycles and taxis.