A major refurbishment scheme on the A51 canal bridge near Wolseley Bridge is progressing on schedule, with nearby visitor destination Bishton Hall reminding people that it remains fully open for business.
Staffordshire County Council’s highways department is currently carrying out an extensive 24-week programme of structural works on the bridge, which carries the A51 over the Trent and Mersey Canal towards the Wolseley Bridge junction.
Despite ongoing works and traffic management in the area, businesses at Bishton Hall are welcoming customers seven days a week.
Access maintained throughout bridge works
While a short section of Bishton Lane close to the bridge is closed to through traffic to allow the repairs to take place safely, full access to Bishton Hall is maintained via the main junction, with temporary directional signage installed around the site.
The Georgian mansion’s courtyard is fully occupied by independent local traders, alongside Sparrow’s Tearoom and Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers. Regular weekly valuation days hosted by Hansons are continuing as normal despite the local road closure, and the estate’s historic grounds and gardens remain open to the public free of charge.
Council confirms scheme progress
Patrick Allen, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet support member for highways, confirmed the refurbishment is moving forward as planned.
The council stated that every effort has been made to minimise travel disruption through works scheduling and traffic management methods, thanking local drivers and residents for their patience while the structural maintenance is carried out.
People travelling to the area can also make use of the recently introduced 151 bus service running between Stone and Rugeley, which stops directly at Wolseley Bridge and provides an alternative public transport route to the attraction.
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