Two phases of improvement works in Bromsgrove have now been fully completed, as these photographs show.
The works on the A38 are to reduce congestion and improve access links across the town.
Phase 2 of the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme saw the installation of a new Toucan crossing on A448 Startford Road and an upgraded path to create a new footway/cycle way link from A38 / Charford Road Junction to South Bromsgrove High School, as well as a new Toucan over Charford Road. Both schemes are fully open for use.
Works also included the installation of an upgraded pedestrian / cycle link between Harvington Road and Charford Road.
Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport said ” ’I am delighted that we have been able to deliver the 2 schemes ahead of the wider A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme, to ensure that we continue the momentum in reducing congestion and providing high quality walking and cycling routes.
The completed schemes look very impressive and the finish and construction appear of a very high standard. I feel that it will provide a valuable asset to the local community and a benchmark for the quality of active travel infrastructure within the county.
It is inspiring to see the work progressing well despite the enormous challenges facing the construction industry at the present time and our people have worked tirelessly to ensure that work has continued to deliver these vital schemes’’.
The schemes have been funded by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The completion of these schemes is vital to help improve active travel across the county, providing congestion easing benefits for businesses, commuters and visitors alike.
I am pleased that work has been completed and can see the benefits it brings to this popular transport route.”
Further landscaping will be completed over the next few months to include the planting of circa 100 new trees, approximately 3,000 bulbs, approximately 1,000 marginal aquatic plants and 5,000 woodland wildflowers and various environmental and habitat improvements.
Further bids for funding for the remaining schemes within the Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme will be submitted in Autumn this year. If successful, Phase 3 improvements, including capacity and active travel enhancements at many of the existing congested junctions, could start later in 2022.