With the aim of keeping New Road open for longer in future flood events, a planning application has been submitted to raise the road and install a new drainage system.
The £1.2m scheme will see the road raised between Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s entrance and the Premier Inn to allow the road to be kept open to both vehicles and pedestrians in the event of the River Severn flooding.
The response to the consultation with residents and businesses about the scheme ahead of this planning application has been very positive.
A final decision is anticipated in December 2017 following the processing of the scheme’s application. If the application is successful, construction could start in January 2018 and finish in late spring.
The scheme has been funded mostly from Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, with some funding and works being completed by Worcestershire County Council.
Tony Miller, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet member with responsibility for Environment, said: “We can never predict how much water there will be but with this scheme we can keep the road open for longer during flooding.
“It will alleviate some of the problems faced by people trying to get in and out of the City and by keeping people moving, without the need for the shuttle buses, we can ensure that Worcester stays open for business.”
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire LEP, said: “The works are essential for the City and its economy. By keeping the traffic flowing during times of flood, the impact on local business, and residents, should be kept to a minimum.
“This is another essential project funded by the local growth fund, by the Local Enterprise Partnership.”