WORKS to improve connectivity for those walking, wheeling and cycling around the Westlands in Droitwich are set to get underway.
The improvement works on the Westlands Roundabout being carried out by Worcestershire County Council are due to commence on Monday, September 2.
Construction will include the installation two Toucan Crossings over the western arms of the A38, a route linking Kidderminster Road to Westwood Road and an improved uncontrolled crossing over Meadow Road, leading to the Westlands Estate.
Coun Richard Morris, who has tirelessly campaigned to get the works implemented, told the Standard he was really pleased to see this come to fruition after the long campaign by residents which included an online petition that garnered 375 signatures.
He said: “I have always feared that there was going to be serious accident.
“The crossing is needed primarily for the safety of the residents and secondly for connectivity between the residents and the town.”
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and Transport said: “This is an important scheme for improving connectivity in this area, so I’m pleased that we’re now able to start the work.
“The improvements will enable people to cross a very busy road safely and will also provide better links between the Westlands Estate to the north and the Retail Park and Droitwich town centre to the south.
“The works here are another example of the County Council’s commitment to improving walking, wheeling and cycling provision across the county.”
The works are scheduled to run until the end of the year, with a temporary speed reduction of 30mph in place on the A38 for the duration of the works.
There will also be additional night closures, one-way road closures and lane closures at various points throughout the works. All closures will be clearly signed on site, as will any diversions that are in place.
The works have been funded through a successful bid to Active Travel England which also included funding for improvements between Diglis Bridge and Power Park in Worcester.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/activetravelimprovements for more information.
