Phase 1: Stafford Road to Derby Road: The 1 mile road was fully opened on 17 December 1996 (with temporary signals whilst work was completed). Old Knotty Way, the section between Stafford Road and B5017 Highwood Road, had been opened on 26 August 1996. Both openings were by Janet Dean, Mayor of East Staffordshire. Contractor was Sir William McAlpine.
Phase 2: Rocester Road, Spath (B5030 north of McDonalds Roundabout) to Derby Road (The Dove Way) was opened on 16 December 1997 by Roger Wright, County Council Chairman. Embankment slippage near the A50 overbridge, following torrential rain over the Christmas period, resulted in a closure for remedial work. Contractor was Birse Construction Ltd., contract cost £2.4 million.
