WORK is due to begin soon on major improvements to the A38 Bromsgrove, thanks to government funding from the Department for Transport.
The government department confirmed on Thursday, August 3 that construction will start in the coming weeks, hoping to reduce journey times, boost connections to Birmingham, Bristol and Gloucester and create new opportunities for cycling and walking.
The scheme, backed by £43 million in Government funding, will deliver upgrades on a 4 mile stretch of the A38 between M42 Junction 1 to the north and the junction of A38 with B4094 Worcester Road in the south.
The works – set to start in the coming weeks – will focus on improvements at key junctions to prevent bottlenecks and improve traffic flow with the project set for completion by summer 2025.
The upgrades are expected to support over 1,100 new local jobs and 5,500 new homes, generating over £93 million in economic benefits for Worcestershire and the West Midlands.
Roads Minister, Richard Holden, told the Standard: “This scheme will have huge benefits for Bromsgrove and is wanted by the local people.
“There will be some disruption while works are ongoing, I don’t want to deny that however where possible we will open up the road so people will see rolling improvements throughout the project.”
The junction improvements will reduce journey times for local buses, making services more reliable while the installation of real time passenger information will help users plan journeys.
The works will also include a new cycle and pedestrian corridor running parallel to the A38 and new crossings will be installed to improve access to the local cycle network.
The project’s total cost is £49.8 million, with Worcestershire County Council (WCC) providing the rest of the funding.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, infrastructure and skills at WCC said: “I am delighted that our A38 project has received the funding boost that it deserves.
“With the funding we’ll be able to help improve everyday journeys around Bromsgrove and ease traffic for people, as well as boost the local economy.”
Coun Mark Bayliss added that contractors will be appointed shortly and work will begin later this year.
Local MP, Sajid Javid said: “This is a major campaign win for the local community, and I am delighted we have got this funding over the line.
“I know how important major A38 improvements are to commuters and residents. This funding is going to deliver that.
“This major infrastructure scheme is a huge boost for local transport and the economy too.
“It has been a long campaign to reach this point, but I am delighted spades will be in the ground within weeks.”
Leader of Bromsgrove District Council, Karen May said: “Securing this funding is fantastic news for the Bromsgrove community and a huge relief after extensive engagement with government.
“Local residents and commuters are set to benefit from these significant improvements, which will also support the wider Bromsgrove economy.
“Alongside the regeneration of the town centre, this funding is another important boost for Bromsgrove and the wider community.”
