Newcastle Street in Stoke-on-Trent has been closed in both directions for 61 days after a fire left many surrounding buildings unstable and unsafe.
The owner of the building which caught fire was given a two-week ultimatum by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to repair the damage so the road could be reopened.
However, the owner failed to respond, so the road has remained closed for over two months.
Motorists have been forced to take diversions since and the closure has put pressure on local businesses and residents.
The council have now tasked engineers with stabilising the damaged buildings. It is hoped that at least one carriageway will be reopened to the public imminently.
A council spokesperson stated: “With thanks to the specialist engineers, we now have a plan of action which should allow the road to be opened as a matter of urgency and one which will allow our contractor to work on the buildings without having a physical impact on the surrounding area.”
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk
