Delayed A38 enhancement scheme in Worcestershire to start within days

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Site clearance and preparatory works are due to start on the A38 through Bromsgrove on what are referred to as Scheme B at the Buntsford Drive and Sherwood Road roundabouts and Scheme E at Oakalls Roundabout. From 15 January, initial works will see temporary site cabins positioned in the layby on the A38 near Buntsford Drive, followed by vegetation clearance adjacent to the A38 Redditch Road and Stoke Road towards the end of the month.

Works are also planned to begin at Oakalls roundabout, with the removal of central pedestrian islands to start on 22 January.

The schemes are part of the Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) being undertaken by Worcestershire County Council. Commencement of work on BREP has experienced some delays, with the government initially announcing it was set to start “within weeks” last August.

BREP is designed to facilitate travel between Worcestershire Birmingham, Bristol and Gloucester. It includes upgrades on a 6.4km stretch of the A38 between M42 Junction 1 to the north and the junction of A38 with B4094 Worcester Road in the south. improvements at key junctions will prevent bottlenecks and improve traffic flow, in turn reducing journey times.

The total cost of the A38 BREP is just over £50M, with the Department for Transport (DfT) committing to provide £43M and the remainder coming from local developer contributions.

The latest tranche of work is being undertaken by Colas, appointed in December by Worcestershire County Council for the delivery of seven schemes along the A38.

The A38 BREP is made up of a total of 11 schemes delivering congestion relief, active travel improvements and improvements to public transport infrastructure. Further BREP schemes are being delivered through existing Worcestershire County Council contracts by Griffiths.

Councillor Marc Bayliss said: “I am excited to announce that the construction of the A38 project is starting this month.

“This is an essential project for the people of Bromsgrove and will improve traffic flow, making journey times shorter and more reliable. Local residents will also benefit from improved walking and cycling facilities including new crossings.

“This significant programme will help improve everyday journeys around Bromsgrove, easing traffic for local people, as well as boosting the local economy.”

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