GOVERNMENT funding totalling £43million has been awarded to Worcestershire to upgrade the A38, tackle congestion, improve journeys and support 1,100 new jobs and 5,000 new homes.
It is anticipated the project will generate more than £93million in economic benefits for the area.
The A38 currently experiences significant congestion during the weekday rush hour, with severe delays at junctions and unreliable journey times affecting local residents’ ability to travel to and from work.
Planned works will install new lanes at key junctions and widen the existing road, helping to improve traffic flow and reduce the threat of any unnecessary bottlenecks in the region.
These upgrades will take place on a 7.5 mile stretch of the route, between the M5 Junction 4 to A38/B4094 in Stoke Heath.
Transport Minister Baroness Vere said: “I know local residents in Worcestershire have been affected by congestion along this key route for too long.
“That’s why we’re investing more than £43 million, providing a huge boost to the area’s economy and ensuring people can get around the region quicker and easier – whether that be for work, education or to see family and friends.”
The Government says the improved traffic flow and lower congestion will also reduce journey times for buses, making commutes shorter and more reliable.
Real time passenger information will be installed at bus stops along the route which will provide passengers with live updates to help them plan their journey, in line with the government’s long term strategy for buses outside London.
A new cycle and pedestrian corridor will run parallel to the A38 with new crossings and bridges to connect the cycle network, improving safety and providing more active travel options.
The total cost of the scheme is £49.8million, with the Department for Transport committing to provide just over £43 million and Worcestershire County Council providing the remainder.
Worcestershire County Council’s Leader, Councillor Simon Geraghty, said he was delighted with the funding which would help the A38 project take the ‘next huge step forward’.
“This significant investment will help improve everyday journeys around Bromsgrove, easing traffic for local people, as well as boosting the local economy.”
Worcestershire County Council must now successfully complete the design of the project, identify a preferred contractor, and submit to the Department a Full Business Case for final funding approval.
If approved, works are expected to start in early 2023.
