A MAJOR revamp of the road network to tackle the congestion in St John’s is set to reach a milestone at the end of this month.
The first phase of the St John’s congestion relief scheme is set to complete before the end of November, according to highways chiefs.
Improvement works in St John’s will pause over the Christmas period from the start of December in order to give local businesses some construction free weeks at their busiest time of year.
Works will then resume in early January with the scheme due for completion in March, subject to weather and COVID-19 restrictions.
Throughout December, the majority of traffic management in the area will be removed, with a minimum amount remaining until the works restart.
Coun Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways said: “We’re ahead of where we expected to be with the scheme and as such, we’ve been able to move some of the planned works forward from early next year.
“This has enabled us to move offsite for a number of vital weeks to give local businesses, and residents, some time off from construction at this important time of year.
“Once the south footway is finished, along with all the other improvements being made, including two lanes of traffic all the way from the roundabout to the Malvern Road turn, residents and businesses will be able to see and feel the full benefit of this very important scheme to relieve congestion and visually improve the area,” he added.
Works on the final phase include; completion of the southern footway, installation of a large drainage attenuation tank to hold run-off water, utilities works, kerbing throughout the scheme, further improved pedestrian crossing facilities and upgraded intelligent traffic signalling to optimise efficiency.
Highway resurfacing works are planned to be completed at night towards the end of works, weather permitting.
To enable these works to be completed, a one-way road closure will again be in action on the A44 from the New Road roundabout to the junction with Malvern Road from early January.
In the new year, Bromwich Lane will be closed at the junction with St Johns, with access maintained for residents at the junction with Bromwich Road.
When finished, the improvement works in St John’s completes the programme of works to relieve congestion hotspots along the east/west A44 corridor from the top of London Road, through Sidbury and finally into St John’s.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/stjohnsimprovements for more.
