PLANS to further reduce traffic flow on a ‘notorious junction’ on the outskirts of Upton-upon-Severn will have to wait after Worcestershire County Council confirmed it did not have the money to fund the project.
County Highways experts had been drafted in to look at how traffic flows can be improved across the A38 at the Bluebell Farm junction.
A recent report confirmed traffic congestion had deteriorated and the authority was looking at ways to improve the junction, including three and four-arm roundabouts.
Although Coun Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, confirmed after a recent consultation process an improvement scheme at the junction was included in the newly-adopted Local Transport Plan, there was no funding to undertake any further work.
“Some initial feasibility work had been carried out but no funding had been identified to take the scheme forward,” he said. “We are not in a position to commission any further work on this.”
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin first raised the issue at the junction two years ago when plans were drawn up to raise the road at Ryall leading into the town.
But until the highways department finds funding from national and local budgets, the work cannot take place.
“Drivers travelling from Upton towards the A38 know that at peak times there can be lengthy delays at this junction and I have regularly asked the council to look into this matter,” said Mrs Baldwin.
“I am pleased that they have confirmed that it is now on their radar and that initial assessment work has been carried out.
“I hope to see more detailed investigations carried out and look forward to working with the county as this plan takes shape.”
