BOSSES at HS2 say they recognise how "frustrating" ongoing delays to roadworks in Lichfield are for local residents and businesses.
It emerged this week that the A38 slip road at Streethay would not reopen in October as planned, with motorists instead facing a wait until April 2027.
The news also means that the temporary speed limit on the main carriageway will also remain in place for longer than anticipated.
A spokesperson for contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI said:
"When we closed the slip road in March to carry out realignment work, we expected to reopen it in October on a temporary alignment because we know how important the route is for local residents, businesses and road users.
"Since then, we carried out further design development and independent road safety assessments. While we carefully considered every viable option, the assessments identified safety risks that could not be adequately mitigated while operating the slip road on a temporary alignment.
"Safety remains our first priority and we will not open the road in a configuration that does not meet the required safety standards. As a result, we cannot safely reopen the slip road before the permanent alignment is complete in April 2027.
"We recognise that this will be frustrating for businesses and road users who have already experienced significant disruption. We do not underestimate the impact that keeping the diversion route in place for longer will have on local journeys.
"The current diversion route will remain in place and has been carefully planned, clearly signposted and approved for use throughout the works."
The contractor said the "significance" of the news meant it would be hosting a number of drop-in dates during the coming weeks.
Details when they are available will be posted on the HS2 website.
