£14m transport improvement package agreed for Worcester

A £14m scheme to improve Worcester’s transport infrastructure has been approved by the government.

The £14.2m package, authorised by Transport Minister Norman Baker, includes improved access to rail travel, upgraded traffic signals and better cycle routes and footpaths.

An intelligent transport system which provides better information to bus passengers and road users will also be installed and a smarter choice scheme will encourage transport users to look at alternatives to travel.

Mr Baker said: “This scheme will give the people of Worcester more convenient access to the city centre as well as providing an alternative means of accessing the city centre for people commuting by car.

“The £14.2m we are putting into this project shows that the coalition government is serious about investing in transport to create growth and cut carbon.”

The Worcester Transport Strategy scheme includes:
•    improvements to Worcester Foregate Street and Malvern Link stations
•    traffic signal upgrades, better public transport facilities, walking and cycling improvements and changes to on-street parking on five routes
•    further cycling and walking improvements
•    intelligent transport systems on buses and on the local road network, including real time message signs at bus stops and six variable message displays linked to city centre car parks to add to the existing six
•    smarter choice schemes designed to reduce the need for travel through improved information and marketing, as well as road junction improvements on the southern link road
•    road junction improvements on the southern link road

The Worcester Transport Scheme was one of the schemes given funding approval in 2011 as part of the Spending Review process. Following approval, work can now start on the first elements of the package with the final phase due to open in March 2015.