The final stage of the works enabling the A4440 Southern Link Road to open between the Ketch and Powick roundabouts is now complete, according to Worcestershire County Council.

The section of the road is now dualled and the slip roads on to Carrington Bridge from the Kempsey direction and towards Malvern from the Powick roundabout are now open. 

The new shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians on Temeside Way is now also open.

The road has been opened in phases to enable motorists to familiarise themselves with the new layout.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, said: “It’s fantastic that we have opened up the road, with two lanes in both directions and with the new slip roads in use.

“With the new cycle/footway opening up too, we can now start to see the difference that this scheme will make in and around Worcester, helping to reduce congestion and improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We wanted to get the road open as soon as we could, but It’s important to note that there are still ongoing works on this scheme.”

Over the next few months there will still be some minor works ongoing on site, which include the installation of the permanent lighting on Powick roundabout, and the permanent pedestrian crossing signals north of Powick and Ketch roundabouts. 

At times, to allow these works to go-ahead, there may be the need for some off-peak lane closures. 

The temporary speed limits will also stay in place for the time being and there will be a need for a future short-term closure of the slip road towards Malvern, off the Powick roundabout, to allow for the removal of soil, which is intended for use on a flood risk management scheme elsewhere in the county.

As well as the road improvements made as part of this scheme, three new bridges and an underpass for pedestrians and cyclists have been constructed, together with the improved shared-use path along Temeside Way.

Battenhall Railway Bridge has been extended, a farm access bridge has been replaced, two pedestrian crossings have been improved and street lighting has been upgraded, as well as a flood mitigation area having been provided that is already being used by wildlife.