FURTHER concerns have been raised about the latest roadworks on the M5 and the impact they are having on Bromsgrove, writes Sam Arrowsmith.
Worcestershire County Council has questioned Highways England’s traffic management scheme which has been put in place while work is carried out on the Oldbury Viaduct.
From Tuesday Highways England scaled down the M5 to one northbound lane at the interchange of the M42 in the hope that any northbound motorists would instead be able to use the M42 to travel to the M6.
The authority said, although it was aware of the need to reduce localised traffic so the repairs could be carried out, it flt it important to keep the traffic flowing at Junction 4a.
If significant congestion occurs at Junction 4a, then traffic may leave the motorway earlier, which will miss this planned diversion and clog up local roads, as well as others further afield, at Sandwell and Birmingham.
Coun Alan Amos, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said it was left very late to inform the authority which had made its reservations clear to Highways England.
“Clearly, we were concerned about the potential impact on local roads and the disruption to residents and business.
“We are especially concerned for those in and around Bromsgrove who have been suffering for the last two years as a result of the smart motorway works.
“I am not satisified Highways England has given due weight to the very serious disruption that will occur by restricting the lanes down to one lane when it is clear from a highways’ perspective that traffic can be properly managed by leaving two lanes open.”
He added he was greatly disappointed by what he saw as ‘unnecessarily restrictive conditions’ which would lead to avoidable traffic delays and frustration.
* What do you think? Have these latest works and the traffic management system impacted on you and journeys you have made? Could Highways England do more or something different to alleviate the delays and congestion? Send us your views to [email protected]
