Staffordshire County Council will begin work next month to install a new signalled junction in Burton. Four-way traffic lights will be installed at the junction of Henhurst Hill with Postern Road and Hopley Road, starting on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
The scheme uses vehicle-actuated technology (MOVA) to ensure signals turn green only when needed, reducing unnecessary delays and adapting to real-time traffic conditions.
Road closure and reopening timeline
Work will begin under a full road closure, with traffic diverted along the A511 and A515. After approximately one month, the road will reopen under temporary traffic lights to allow access to Screamfest at National Forest Adventure Farm in October. The project is expected to take around two months to complete.
Speed limit and safety measures
The existing 30mph speed limit will be extended further along Henhurst Hill. A 40mph buffer zone will also be introduced to encourage safer driving and address local concerns about speeding.
The bus stop at the junction will be remodelled to change the point of entry for buses, and parking spaces will be created for residents in the area.
Heavy goods vehicle restrictions
A 7.5 tonne weight limit is being introduced along the B5017, from the bottom end of Shobnall Road at the Parkway roundabout to the Six Roads End junction with the A515. The weight limit will also apply to the B5234 Newborough Road from Fiveways Roundabout at Needwood up to its junction with the A515. This measure will apply from 7 September 2026.
The weight limit will only allow lorries to pass through if they need to access a business within the restricted area. Enforcement will be the responsibility of Staffordshire Police. All HGV drivers will still be able to access Burton via the A38, A511 and A515.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said the scheme was developed in direct response to resident concerns about speeding and safety at the crossroads, and to address complaints from local businesses about traffic at busy times and from residents about noise disruption from heavy goods vehicles, particularly at night.
