HIGHWAYS chiefs say the dualling of the Southern Link Road between Whittingham and Norton roundabouts is ahead of schedule.
Since the railway bridge extension was moved into place earlier this year and the final checks on the bridge were completed, Worcestershire County Council’s contractors have been constructing two completely new west bound lanes that will run under the bridge.
This work has included completion of earthworks to make way for the new road, relocation of electricity poles, laying foundations and installing of a new drainage system and kerbs.
All of which needed to be completed before the road surfacing could begin.
Coun Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for infrastructure and economy, said: “I’m pleased with the progress which has been made to construct this completely new stretch of road, following the successful installation of the new railway bridge at the end of May and subsequent works to tie it into the existing bridge.
“As work continues, the opening of this part of the scheme is now well within our sights and I’m hoping to be able share some good news in the coming weeks about exactly when this might be.”
To enable the next phase of works, a number of lane restrictions and overnight closures are needed to carry out surfacing and road marking works ahead of opening this stretch of road to traffic.
On the evenings of Monday, October 29 to Friday, November 2, Crookbarrow Way will be closed to downhill traffic only from Whittington to Norton overnight from 9pm to 6am the following morning.
There will be a diversion in place which will take traffic down London Road and up Bath Road to the Ketch Roundabout.
A separate diversion will be signposted for high-sided vehicles.
Broomhall Way will be open in both directions between the Ketch and Norton Roundabouts as normal and traffic going uphill from Norton Roundabout to Whittington will not be affected as this side of the road will remain open during this period.
Meanwhile, On Wednesday, November 14 there are plans to fully close Crookbarrow Way to traffic in both directions from 9pm to 6am the following morning, subject to weather conditions.
A diversion will be in place to take traffic down London Road and up Bath Road and vice versa.
Again, Broomhall Way will be open in both directions between the Ketch and Norton Roundabouts as normal.
Once work on the new road nears completion and the usual checks have been made, arrangements for opening the road to two lanes of traffic in both directions will be announced.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/slr for more.
