WORK HAS started on the Upton flood alleviation scheme.
The project will see the A4104 raised to reduce the likelihood of the road flooding in the future.
In 2007, Upton upon Severn was so badly hit by flooding, it was reduced to an island and in 2014 the road had to be closed for several days due to flooding, leaving the only access to the town as being by boat or army truck.
This flood alleviation scheme in Upton forms part of a programme of schemes by Worcestershire County Council to reduce the risk of flooding on key sections of the highway network.
Coun Tony Miller, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for the Environment, said: “So much has been done across Worcestershire since the devastating floods in 2007, benefiting homes and businesses.
“Nothing can fully eradicate the chances of further flooding but this scheme will considerably help to reduce the risk in Upton.
“We understand and appreciate the importance of the festival period on the local economy.
“We will do what we can to balance the efficient completion of works with remaining flexible to the local traffic at peak times of the year.”
The majority of funding for this scheme comes via the Local Growth Fund through the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership.
It is the latest of several hundred flood alleviation and drainage schemes implemented by Worcestershire County Council since 2007.
The raising of over 500 metres of the A4104 in Upton between A38 and the Marina by up to 0.8 meters (2.5ft) will see the road able to remain open for longer during floods, even if water reaches the levels it peaked at in 2014. The road is also set to be widened, footways improved and drainage from surrounding fields improved along with a new, better turn lane into the Marina.
Michael Ostick, Vice Chair, Upton Business Association, said “This scheme will support Upton to be a flood resilient town with ensured access north to south along the A4104. It enables sustainable community growth, both north and south of the town, and further developing the foundations of our local economy.”Since the flood defences, we have gradually improved our shop occupancy levels significantly above that of the majority of small market towns, and seen a real increase in private investment in developing shops and offices.
“Better flood security for the A4104 is the final infrastructure development that ensures a basis for growing the local economy, to the benefit of our residents and traders alike”
The work has been phased into three sections to lessen the impact on traffic during the local festival season.
Phase one, from now until spring, will concentrate on the works nearest the marina, including raising and widening of the road, a new right turn filter lane being installed for the marina and the creation of a new wider footway. Temporary traffics light will be in use for the majority of this phase.
Phase two – during spring and summer – focuses on raising and widening the road in Holly Green.
Temporary traffic lights will be used when needed and removed during festival weekends.
Phase three, where 11 new boxed culverts will be installed under the road, will take place in the autumn. This will help with draining and two of the existing culverts will also be strengthened.
The timing of these Phases is approximate as the programme of works may vary in order to ensure works are as efficient as possible.
Temporary traffic lights to support the initial works on the carriageway will be in place near the marina from today.
