MORE disruption is expected along Bromsgrove’s A38 as a set of key dates in the town’s BREP project have been announced.
Worcestershire County Council, responsible for the project’s delivery, have shared details of upcoming works set to take place along the route, some of which begin soon and will not conclude until late 2025.
The £50 million programme aims to improve traffic flow on the A38 via road widening and junction improvements with the M5 and others. Cycling and pedestrian provision is also included in the plans.
As part of this new announcement, deferred works at Hanbury Turn (originally planned for June 12-13) are expected to recommence from June 27-30.
There will also be full weekend closures between Bant Mill Road and the A38 between July 4 and 7 (investigation work), July 11 and 14 (pipe laying), and July 18 and 21 (contingency).
Stratford Road at Oakalls will see two-way traffic lights between July 7 and 11. Regents Park Road will see a one-way closure from July 14 to October 19, with the exit from the roundabout onto
Regents Park Road closed while access to the roundabout will remain open. Diversion details will be shared online.
Stoke Road at the junction with Charford Road will see changes to its one-way closure on July 18. The closure will run until November 27.
The project has come under extensive scrutiny in recent years with campaign groups and local politicians raising considerable concerns.
The A38 BREP scheme has increased traffic congestion along the route, with road closures impacting journey times.
It has also led to the felling of hundreds of trees, a major sticking point for the Revise BREP campaign group – who say the loss of foliage will only compound the affects of vehicle carbon emissions.
Other issues have arose surrounding a lack of progress at previous stages of the project and fears there is no definitive ‘visual plan’ of the final outcome of the works.
Councillor Karl Perks, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We fully understand the inconvenience that major works, like these important works in Bromsgrove, can cause to local residents, businesses and those who regularly use the route.
“We aim to coordinate all works, including those by utility companies, that could otherwise lead to future roadworks, in order to reduce impact and minimise disruption.
“The programme is a vital investment in the town’s future – without it, congestion will only continue to increase as traffic levels grow.
“While some activities are happening at the same time, this approach helps us to complete the scheme more efficiently and limit the overall length of disruption.
“Our teams are working hard to keep inconvenience to a minimum while delivering long-term improvements that will benefit everyone.”
The council have also reiterated that these dates are subject to change.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/BREP for more information.
