Buses Trains & Roadworks
Roads
17.10.26
Staffordshire highways crews: record-breaking month of pothole repairs in September
Crews repaired 5,067 defects over the month, more than twice the 2,498 repaired in September last year. It is also the first time they have completed more than 5,000 repairs in one month.
A spokesperson for the council said. "This is another step forward in Staffordshire County Council's work to improve roads and reduce the pothole backlog.
"The numbers mean the council is on track to meet its target of repairing 40,000 potholes by 1 April 2027, as part of a wider plan to stop road conditions getting worse and make lasting improvements for residents."
Crews made the most of good weather throughout September to complete more repairs across the county. They have also been utilising different repair methods such as screeding and velocity patching, to repair more potholes in one go.
Velocity patching allows crews to repair suitable defects quickly by cleaning the area, sealing it and applying stone and bitumen in one operation.
17.10.26
Curious about how our roundabouts are repaired?
This article from Staffordshire County Council explains the problems and the plan.
Roundabouts require more expensive and complex repairs for several reasons:
With traffic approaching from different directions, phased closures would be needed to keep vehicles moving
Vehicles heavy turning and braking means roundabouts wear down quickly
Cheaper preventative surface treatment is unsuitable for roundabouts
While night working can reduce daytime disruption, it costs more and can be noisy.
Staffordshire County Council are looking at whether short, full closures would be the best way to allow crews to repair roundabouts more safely and quickly. While this could mean short-term disruption, it will reduce the costs of these repairs to the taxpayer.
We're also identifying roundabouts that are in most need of repair so we can prioritise those for highways investment.
We'll keep you updated on this programme in the coming months.
27.9.26
Cabinet agrees updated winter roads policy
Staffordshire’s gritting routes will be reviewed to ensure they still best support communities and local businesses in the winter months.
For the first time in 10 years, the current winter routes will be updated to ensure they are supporting communities, the economy and providing access to key places.
Although there will be no immediate changes this year, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways Peter Mason said the review would see routes prioritised on how they support communities rather than what class of road they are. This brings it in line with changes in government guidance that have taken effect since the last publication.
The county council routinely treats more than 40% of its road network in winter as a precautionary measure, above the national average. It also reactively treats the remainder of the network during prolonged periods of ice and snow as resources allow.
There are no plans to reduce the amount of network treated. The new policy will also update arrangements for additional community grit bins funded by local councils.
The council maintains 21,400 tonnes of salt capacity, including a 5,000-tonne strategic reserve. During significant winter events, resources are prioritised to key strategic routes, supported by contracted farmers and specialist snow equipment.
27.9.26
Improved Road Surfaces
Drivers in Staffordshire can benefit from smoother journeys after hundreds of preventative highways maintenance schemes have been completed across the county.
Highways crews at Staffordshire County Council took advantage of the dry spring and summer months, completing over 1.4 million square metres of surface dressing, equivalent to 200 football pitches. More than 650 roads received the treatment in the season.
Surface dressing is a key part of the council's approach to maintaining the road network. It involves carrying out structural repairs before applying a new top surface, helping to protect roads before they deteriorate and require more extensive and costly repairs. The treatment reduces the risk of potholes developing and can extend the life of a road by up to 15 years.
Work will continue over the autumn while the weather remains dry.
The team also continue to deliver preventative treatments on footpaths across the County and expect to complete around 124,000m² of surface treatment before the end of the season.
27.09.26
Enhanced Decision-Making Framework for Road Repairs and Improvements
Staffordshire County Council have updated their Asset Management Policy in September, outlining how money should be spent to make the biggest difference for residents.
It explains how the council will use clear evidence and data to decide where and what type of repairs and improvements are needed most, ensuring the work is done in the right place, at the right time, and reduces the need for more expensive repairs later.
The new plan is designed to show government how roads in Staffordshire are being looked after, and how highways funding is spent, so the county council can access more funding for repairs.
Decisions will be based on things such as safety, condition, how important the route is, how much benefit the work will bring to local people, and maximising long-term value for money.
The policy and strategy will help guide future highways and transport investment from 2027/28 onwards.
Potholes
Highways crews in Staffordshire repaired more than 4,000 potholes in August as work continues at pace to improve roads across the county.
Crews have continued to make the most of the summer conditions, using both established repair methods and newer technology to fix defects quickly and create smoother, safer journeys for Staffordshire motorists.
A total of 4,022 potholes were repaired throughout August, compared with 3,183 in the same month last year. This brings the total number of potholes fixed since April 1 to 22,375.
Innovation is playing a key role in keeping up this momentum, with velocity patching, screeding, the JCB Pothole Pro and traditional cut and break crews all being used in the right locations to speed up repairs and make a visible difference in local communities.
Velocity patching allows crews to repair suitable defects quickly by cleaning the area, sealing it and applying stone and bitumen in one operation, while the JCB Pothole Pro helps prepare larger defects more efficiently before permanent repairs are made.
Together, these approaches are helping the county council stay on track towards its ambitious target of filling 40,000 potholes by the end of March 2027.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways said:
“We know how strongly people feel about potholes, which is why we are working hard to repair more defects, more quickly, and make journeys smoother and safer across Staffordshire.
“The fact that more than 22,000 potholes have already been repaired since April shows the scale and pace of work taking place. By combining innovation such as velocity patching and the JCB Pothole Pro with the skills of our cut and break crews, we can target the right repair in the right place and keep making real improvements for residents, businesses and visitors.” continued Peter.
Roadworks
27.8.26
A number of improvements will be taking place across the Moorlands over the next weeks and months.
Here are some coming up across the district:
Congleton Road, Biddulph | September 2026
Ball Haye Road/Vicarage Road, Leek | September 2026
Mill Lane, Wetley Rocks | September 2026
Wootton Road/Greens Hill, Wootton | September 2026
Morridge Top Road, Thorncliffe | September 2026
A number of improvements will be taking place across Newcastle over the next weeks and months
Here are some coming up across the borough which may affect visitors to the area
Lower Street, Newcastle | September 2026
Fox Hollow, Loggerheads | September 2026
Crewe Road, Madeley Heath | September 2026
Quarry Bank Road, Keele | September 2026
First Avenue, Kidsgrove | September 2026
The majority of road works are carried out by the utility companies such as gas, water, phone and electric companies. For more information on these road works please visit One Network.
Roadworks In progress: Cellarhead Junction
In progress: A518 Town Meadow Way, Uttoxeter
Completed: Froghall - Closing of Foxt Road
Completed: New Road, Tean: Roadworks and temporary closures
Completed: A521 Delphouse Road in Cheadle
Scheduled: St Edward Street, Leek
NEWS
27.8.26
New Leek zebra crossing completed
A new zebra crossing and improvements were completed in Leek town centre earlier this month, making walking and wheeling easier and safer.
The scheme, on St Edward Street, has seen the installation of a new zebra crossing alongside a widened footway on the eastern side of the road, new dropped kerbs and tactile paving. New belisha beacon poles with integrated lighting have also been installed, together with resurfacing on the approaches to the crossing and refreshed road markings.
An additional uncontrolled crossing point has also been created on High Street, near its junction with St Edward Street, further improving accessibility and pedestrian safety.
Highway improvements completed at busy Cheadle junction
Staffordshire County Council are promising drivers and locals in Cheadle smoother and safer travel following the completion of road improvement projects at the A521 Delphouse Road and Brookhouse Road intersection.
The £255,000 scheme, has seen the junction resurfaced along with repairs to kerbs and ironworks, helping to improve the condition of the road and extend its lifespan.The work was completed over a four-week period, with temporary traffic management and overnight closures used during the resurfacing phase to allow crews to carry out the improvements safely and efficiently.
Patrick Allen, Cabinet Support Member for Highways at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Keeping Staffordshire moving is one of our top priorities, and schemes like this demonstrate our continued commitment to maintaining and improving the roads that people rely on.“We're pleased to have completed this important improvement scheme at this busy junction. The resurfacing work, together with repairs to kerbs and ironworks, will provide a smoother and more reliable road surface for motorists and help keep the junction in good condition for years to come.“This is one of a number of schemes taking place in Cheadle as part of our continued investment in local roads. I'd like to thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience and co-operation while the work was being carried out.”
Highways crews in Staffordshire have filled in a record number of potholes in July: Full Report
Crews have been making the most of the dry and fine weather to fill as many potholes as possible, improving conditions and creating smoother journeys for Staffordshire motorists according to Staffordshire County Council's recent report.
A total of 4,750 potholes have been filled throughout July, more than any other month in the past five years. This number is also more than the previous July, which saw 3,583 defects repaired. Using a variety of different techniques including traditional cut and break crews right through to velocity patching and screeding, crews have been speeding up repairs and really making a difference to local communities.
Crews will be continuing their hard work throughout the school summer holidays, to ensure as many defects as possible are fixed. These figures will add to the county council’s ambitious target of filling 40,000 potholes by the end of March 2027.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways said: “As county councillors we get more feedback on potholes than anything else, which is why we’re focusing on fixing defects and improving roads for everyone. “Our crews have worked incredibly hard over the past month, in some really hot conditions, to fix as many defects as they can. This is exactly why we are investing an extra £15 million over the next two years into repairing and maintaining Staffordshire’s roads, so we can tackle more defects, improve road conditions and make journeys smoother and safer for everyone.”
Trains
Moorlands Train Discussions
County Councillor Gary Bentley shared with us a clip about a project he is passionate about, which aims to re-establish a rail link for Staffordshire Moorlands. The estimated cost is between 300 to 400 million pounds, significantly less than the current project under review. This initiative would enhance tourism, revolutionize education and work opportunities for Moorlands residents, providing the connectivity Staffordshire Moorlands requires while reducing fossil fuel usage, which continues to pollute our High Streets and threaten our respiratory health.
It was Councillor Bentley's enthusiasm that initiated discussions with Aldi, now a vital part of local life.
If you have any questions about the work or, concerns about how the work is being carried out, contact Staffordshire County Council via Report It
Buses
Staffordshire Moorlands Bus Service
5.10.26
There are no bus service changes planned for October. However, services may change at short notice and changes will be added to Staffordshire County Council's website during the month as needed at Changes to busservices
Revised timetables will be available on Traveline and on the busmap and timetable pages around two weeks before the amendment date, or you can email publictransport@staffordshire.gov.uk for a timetable.
26.8.26
from 1 Septemberd
D&G Bus service 7A (Biddulph - Hanley) will have minor timetable revisions.
D&G Bus services 8A (Endon - Hanley) will have minor timetable revisions.
Aimee’s Travel service 30A (Leek - Cheadle) will have a revised route and timetable, it will now operate as a circular route continuing from Cheadle back to Leek via Cheddleton in the mornings and starting from Leek via Cheddleton to Cheadle in the afternoons.
D&G Bus services 32/32A/32X (Uttoxeter - Hanley) will have minor timetable revisions.
D&G Bus service 95 (Biddulph - Audley) will have a revised route and timetable and no longer serve Wood Lane.
from 26 September to 1 November
Albatross Bus service X80 (Derby - Alton Towers) will operate additional journeys during Scarefest at Alton Towers.
August 2026 Update - No Changes Expected
There are no bus service changes planned for August according to Staffordshire County Council. However, services may change at short notice and changes will be added to their website during the month as needed. You'll find the information here: staffordshire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-transport/public-transport-and-travel-passes/changes-bus-services
£2 Bus Fare Cap
This week new Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced that no bus fare is to cost more than two pounds. In rural areas such a Staffs Moorlands you often need to catch two or more for shortish journeys either because the service is remote or the busses just don't travel the way you need them to go. Will he look closer at rural areas to provide not only fair prices but a service which would encourage more people back on the busses?
Archive
Potholes
Highways crews in Staffordshire have filled in a record number of potholes in July
Crews have been making the most of the dry and fine weather to fill as many potholes as possible, improving conditions and creating smoother journeys for Staffordshire motorists. A total of 4,750 potholes have been filled throughout July, more than any other month in the past five years.
Using a variety of different techniques including traditional cut and break crews right through to velocity patching and screeding, crews have been speeding up repairs and really making a difference to local communities. Crews will be continuing their hard work throughout the school summer holidays, to ensure as many defects as possible are fixed.
These figures will add to the county council’s ambitious target of filling 40,000 potholes by the end of March 2027.
County Council crews are getting on with numerous repairs and improvements with the following works due to take place:
Brook Street, Leek | June 2026
Stanley Road, Stockton Brook | June 2026
Beresford Lane, Hulme End | June 2026
Buxton Road, Flash | July 2026
Major Cellarhead Junction Improvements has moved to the next phase
To make sure this next phase of the project can be completed safely, the A52 Kingsley Road will remain closed until Sunday 21 June, with a signed diversion in place and guided access for residents. This phase of the scheme is also being delivered and coordinated with some utility works and housing developer works to help minimise any additional disruption.
The next phase of the scheme, from Monday 22 June until Thursday 16 July, will see the closure of the A520 Leek Road, from Cellarhead junction northbound, as crews work on the road.
Once again, crews would like to thank people for their patience and co-operation during this significant scheme for the area.
New Zebra Crossing for A522 New Road in Tean started Monday 1 June
The £100,000 road safety scheme will see the installation of the crossing with two belisha beacons, along with upgraded street lights, tactile paving, and carriageway resurfacing on the approaches to the crossing.
The improvements will help make it safer for people walking in and around the village and when accessing local amenities, shops and schools.
The works are expected to take around two weeks to complete and, to make sure they can be done safely, most of the work will be completed under a single-lane closure using temporary traffic lights. However, from Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 June, a full road closure will be required to allow resurfacing and road marking works to be complete.
Work to repair a collapsed retaining wall in Wetley Rocks.
Highways crews from Staffordshire County Council are making repairs to the dry-stone wall, which collapsed last month.
Barriers and two-way traffic lights are currently in place along the A520 Cheadle Road near the Powys Arms Pub. This traffic management will be retained throughout the works, which will last 4-6 weeks.
The wall will be fixed, with the construction strengthened with a concrete backing to allow it to better cope with the traffic levels and weight of vehicles.
Getting the works completed as soon as possible and getting traffic flowing again is a priority for crews. Motorists should take extra care when in the area and we thank people in advance for their patience and co-operation during the works.
Busses Trains & Roadworks
