Dualling to begin on Southern Link - The Worcester Observer

Dualling to begin on Southern Link

Worcester Editorial 24th Jul, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

A MAJOR multi-million pound project to dual the Southern Link Road is gathering pace- with contractors given the green light to begin dualling road between the Norton and Whittington roundabouts.

The £40million improvement scheme to dual the A4440 between the Ketch and Whittington roundabouts is one of the biggest upgrades to Worcestershire’s road infrastructure in years.

Contractors have now been given the go-ahead to begin dual-tracking the road between Norton and Whittington roundabouts, as well as completing the dualling between the Norton roundabout and Ketch.

The work will include a dedicated left-hand turn from Whittington Road, from Junction 7 of the M5, and the removal of the current give way set-up.




It’s expected that work to complete the entire dualling, including the building of new railway and bridleway bridges, is due to start in Summer 2017 with it due to be completed by Spring 2019.

Coun Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure on Worcestershire County Council, said: “This next key milestone takes us a step closer to dualling one of the most important strategic transport routes in the county.


“By improving transport links and infrastructure, motorists will benefit from reduced congestion and travel times. This will also have a positive impact on boosting the local economy.”

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Southern Link Road improvements are vital to the economic growth of our County and will support our local businesses to increase productivity, due to improved journey times, as well as provide benefits for visitors and residents.

“The improved links to the motorway network will also provide greater access to employment sites in South Worcestershire which will enable other companies to locate in the County and bring further jobs.

“We recognise that the full benefits will only be seen when funding is secured for the final stage, which is the dualling of the Carrington Bridge. We continue to work with all partner organisations to raise the profile of the need for funding for this significant final phase.”

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