ROAD closures will be in place in Bromsgrove as works to improve the A38 at Junction 1 of the M42 take another step forward. Works to widen the A38 northbound have now been completed, with the focus now on widening the southbound section, installing the new service road and adding the central splitter island. Worcestershire County Council says some overnight works are needed for resurfacing and the updating of road markings. The works will happen in two phases, with the first taking place from February 18 to March 3, between 9pm-6am. This will involve the closure of the exits and entries to the roundabout, including the M42 slip roads, Old Birmingham Road and Alcester Road.
A councillor says he can hardly believe the £815,000 bill for ‘so-called’ improvements at the Lydiate Ash roundabout island and says it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money. And he says whoever has decided to put tarmac before spending on school meals for children or laptops for lockdown pupils should ‘consider their position.’ But the county’s highways chief says the work is value for money and part of an important strategy to upgrade the A38 and cutting journey times, with more improvements on the way. Councillor Peter McDonald says several residents have approached him complaining about the cost of the work ‘as they could see little improvement.’