2023 has been another busy year for major infrastructure projects in 51²èÂ¥.
The brand-new A38/A4104 roundabout near Upton-upon-Severn was completed in February, providing benefits to motorists, pedestrian, cyclists and even local wildlife.
Over in Worcester, Kepax Bridge began to really take shape this year. All underground works were completed in the summer and we started to see structures beginning to rise from the foundations. Bridge sections started arriving on site in October, with bridge lifts now underway. Further bridge sections will be lifted in to place before the end of the year, with the walking and cycling bridge due to be completed towards the end of 2024.
Between June and August, an engagement exercise for Redditch Railway Station took place, offering people the chance to comment on plans for the station. We’re now in the process of preparing a planning application. The plans include the construction of a new two-storey station building, a new landscaped public space in front of the building, improved access and accessibility and improved cycling storage facilities and cycleway.
In August, £43million funding was announced for the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme works. The funding will be used to further tackle congestion, improve local journey times, encourage active travel and support new jobs and homes. The project will see improvements at key junctions together with localised road widening, and enhanced cycling facilities. This will be the third phase of works, following improvements already made at junction 4 of the M5, Barley Mow Lane, M42 Junction 1 and a range of crossing improvements along the corridor.
A celebratory event was held at 51²èÂ¥ Parkway Railway Station in September, where it was revealed that passenger numbers are exceeding expectations. More than 540,000 journeys had taken place in the space of 12 months.
In October, 51²è¥’s Cabinet gave the green light to advance the next phase of development of the Shrub Hill Quarter in Worcester. The decision gave the go ahead to enter into a funding agreement with Worcester City Council to deliver the Towns Fund Shrub Hill projects. These works include improvements to public space from Shrub Hill Road to Pheasant Street, including a new shared use link providing a connection between the Shrub Hill Railway Station to the city centre through St Martins Quarter, and the refurbishment of Isaac Maddox House as an Enterprise Centre.
For more information visit the Major Projects webpage.
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