Final phase of dualling under way on the SLR

Preparatory works are under way ahead of the main works beginning on the final phase of Worcester’s Southern Link Road.

The initial work started on Temeside Way to pave the way for dualling the A4440 from the Ketch roundabout to Powick.

When completed, the project will see the Southern Link Road (SLR) fully dualled from Junction 7 of the M5 to Powick roundabout.

The final phase of the scheme, being delivered by Worcestershire County Council, includes a new river bridge and viaduct and causeway stretching over almost a mile.

The project is intended to improve journey times and relieve congestion.

The county council's contractor constructed a security fence on the southern side of Temeside Way between the Carrington Bridge and Powick Roundabout as part of the works.

Vegetation from the southern side of the road – on the left as people drive towards the Powick Roundabout from the Ketch – is being removed as the new two-lane road will be built on that side.

The removal of vegetation is in line with the planning permission for that phase of work and needs to be completed before the bird-nesting season.

The county council's Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, Conservative councillor Ken Pollock, said: “The timing of these works is vital so that the main works on this final phase of the scheme can start in spring.”

Works are being carried out nightly, starting at 9pm, on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

To keep up to date with the progress of the scheme visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/slr.