By Mark Andrews

Copyright expressandstar

Wolverhampton Council says a stretch of Darlington Street, which has been closed to all traffic since January, will reopen to buses and cyclists before the Christmas break starting November 21.

The stretch, between Chapel Ash island and Red Lion Street, was the first phase of a £19 million scheme to create a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare across the city, from the railway station, through Lichfield Street and Darlington to Chapel Ash.

It was due to have been completed by June, but a report presented to councillors this week explains how the scheme has been hit by delays due to the poor condition of water mains beneath the ground.

It also warned that problems were already being anticipated regarding the condition of cellars along the route of the second phase of the work, due to begin in the new year, and that legal advice was being sought on who would be responsible for any additional expense that may crop up.

The report also claims that the number of people passing through the area actually increased by 22 per cent compared to last year, although a video made by the Express & Star this week showed the area deserted and with little sign of any work taking place.

A report to the council’s economy and growth scrutiny panel said the work focused on constructing new cycle lanes, improving bus stops, replacing old paving, upgrading traffic lights, installing new street furniture and resurfacing carriageways.

“Progress of works has been hampered by a corroded water main,” the report said.

“Following utility lead-in times and lack of available resources, works have now started on abandoning the corroded main

“Once the diversion is complete, Taylor Woodrow can begin civils works on critical path.”

It said completion of the first phase was expected to be completed ahead of the Christmas break.

The report said phase two of the scheme, from Red Lion Street to the railway station, would begin in January, with completion anticipated by mid-2027.

But it said there were lessons to be learned from the first phase, with steps being put in place to reduce such risks during the second stage of the work.

“Part 1 has been impacted by underground utilities in poor condition,” it said.

“Further investigations and communication with statutory undertakers are underway to mitigate issues in part two.”

The report one likely difficulty would be that the cellars of some properties along the route were in poor condition.

“Visual inspections are taking place within cellars but if any are uncovered during excavations repairs may be required,” it warned.

“There are ongoing conversations with legal services on responsibility for cost of repair.”

The scheme will see the roads closed to private cars, although buses and taxis will still be allowed to travel along them. Pavements will be widened and block paved, with designated cycle lanes and landscaping work added.