TEMPORARY two-way traffic signals near Merry Hill have been causing “severe congestion” so motorists are advised to seek alternative routes.

Cadent has issued an immediate permit to undertake repair works on the A4100 Mount Pleasant, Quarry Bank, to repair a leaking gas main with temporary two-way traffic signals scheduled to be in place until Friday May 19.

Auto green signals have been in use as an alternative to manual operation but Dudley Council’s traffic and transportation team has reported major congestion in the area and has urged Cadent to switch the lights to manual operation to help ease traffic build-up.

The council’s network manager for traffic and transportation, Andrew Sumner, said: “Unfortunately, it has been identified that this location is suffering severe congestion due to the proximity of these signals to the main fixed signals of Thorns Road/Merry Hill (A4036) with traffic blocking the running lane in one direction, and the fixed signals in the other.

“Cadent have therefore been contacted again and instructed that the signals will require full manual control from 7am to 7pm each day to prevent these issues from occurring.

“Congestion and disruption will remain high (due to the close proximity of the traffic management to the signals) even with manual control and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes where available.”