COPCUT Lane in Droitwich closed on Monday for the whole year so developers can carry out highways improvements.
Highways bosses confirmed to The Standard on Monday the road would be shut for 52 weeks as part of the infrastructure work being carried out for the Yew Tree development.
There will be diversions around the A38, Pulley Lane and Copcut Lane because of the works being undertaken by contractors on behalf of Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes.
There will also be a temporary 30mph speed limit on the A38 for the duration of the works.
The first phase will last four weeks.
The second phase, due to start at the beginning of May, will see improvements can be made to drainage infrastructure.
The work will take eight weeks to complete and for five of those weeks there will be two-way traffic lights on the A38 – approximately 200m south of the Pulley Lane junction.
The final phase of the project – to install the permanent traffic signals and widen the road for 200m either side of the Pulley Lane and Copcut Lane junction – will begin on July 1 and last for 35 weeks.
While that work is being carried out there will be narrow lanes and a temporary 30mph speed limit will be introduced on the A38.
Pulley Lane will be closed for the 35 weeks and there will be two overnight closures of the A38 so the changes to the traffic system can be implemented.
A further closure of the A38 will be required to complete the resurfacing of the scheme at the end of the programme.
A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said: “We understand the concerns of local residents and will do everything possible to minimise disruption.
“This will include night working where possible and working in off peak hours as far as is practically possible.
“We will have regular meetings, and inspections to help maintain progress.
“We are committed to delivering improvements for the local community in a safe and efficient way.”