A BID to tackle congestion at one of Worcester’s busiest junctions has been given the green light to get underway.
Work in and around the Sidbury junction will kick off on Monday (June 17) and will affect from Clare Street in the north, Wylde’s Lane in the east, the southern end of Commandery Road where it joins Bath Road and Cathedral Square in the west.
Although most of the daytime work will be carried out during the school holidays to minimise disruption, up to seven nights of overnight closures in the area will take place from 8pm to 6am.
The overnight work will be carried out in phases and will restrict the number of routes that are closed at any one time to minimise the impact of the work. Any diversions that are necessary will be signposted.
Among the work planned is a replacement of the traffic light system, an extension of approach lanes and a new signal-controlled pedestrian crossing.
A key part of the works is the replacement of the almost 50-year-old traffic light system with signals which use the latest technology. The new signals will regularly monitor traffic conditions and will adjust how long a particular light remains green based on the level of traffic.
To improve traffic flow along the City Walls Road from the north, the approach lanes will be extended to enable vehicles to get into the correct lane earlier.
There will also be improvements for pedestrians and cyclists with the installation of a new signal-controlled pedestrian crossing. This will be installed at the northern end of Commandery Road and will include a central refuge to make it more user-friendly for pedestrians.
During the works, the current traffic signals will need to be removed and temporary signals will be installed until the new signals are in operation.
Coun Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways, said: “It’s great news work will soon start to improve one of the busiest parts of the city.
“Once the work is complete, the Sidbury junction will benefit from modern technologies to help to improve traffic flow, vastly improving this busy area for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
“This is part of a wider programme of works that highlights the County Council’s commitment to relieving congestion across the county.”
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/relievingcongestionlatestupdates for more.
