BROMSGROVE motorists have been warned of upcoming closures of the A38 over the next three consecutive weekends to allow for "key infrastructure improvements to take place".

The A38 and New Road will be fully closed on the next three Sundays, on November 24, December 1 and December 8 from 8.00am until 6.00pm.

Worcestershire Country Council have said the closures are a part of the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) and will allow for trees along the route to be removed.

It is hoped that by upgrading key junctions, enhancing pedestrian crossings, and creating better spaces for walking and cycling, the BREP will ease congestion allow for more efficient travel across what is one of Worcestershire’s busiest routes.

The council have said the extensive canopy of the trees, which in some areas spans the width of both carriageways, makes it unsafe to carry out removal work while traffic is live.

As a result, full road closures are essential to ensure the safety of road users and workers.

To address environmental concerns, Worcestershire County Council have said they will replace each removed tree with two new ones, planting them as close as possible to their original locations as possible.

The Council’s contractor has prepared the site as much as possible under local lane closures to assist reducing the length of these closures.

In order to minimise disruption, clearly signposted diversion routes will guide motorists around the closure points, alongside highway variable message signs and messaging on the M5 and M42 approaches to Bromsgrove.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We understand the added pressure on local traffic during the festive season and appreciate that these closures may cause some inconvenience.

“However, we are committed to minimising disruption while ensuring the work is carried out swiftly and efficiently.

“Our goal is to complete these essential improvements with as little impact as possible, supporting both residents and the local economy during this busy time.”

 “We will make every effort to complete the work ahead of schedule. If we finish early, some of the planned closures may no longer be necessary.”