Canal bridge will cut town's congestion

A new canal bridge could be built to speed up bus journeys into a congested part of Kidderminster as part of plans to improve the town waterways.

There can be long tailbacks along the ring road in rush hour caused by commuters and visitors to the region's main tourist attractions The Severn Valley Railway and Safari Park.

A new blueprint has been released by Wyre Forest District Council on how changes could be made to improve traffic flow and reduce traffic related pollution. One of the options being considered is for a new bridge from Churchfields to Crossley Park which could be used by buses. It is also hoped that the redevelopment could include a new canalside marina with some commercial business opportunities.

The news comes after the council announced it is also looking at creating a new residential development on old carpet factory sites in Kidderminster. Planners are looking at breathing new life into the Churchfields area by building 400 new houses. It is hoped the regeneration plan could also include a new road leading from Blackwell Street, outside the ring road, to the A451 Stourbridge Road. Wyre Forest District Council is currently consulting on plans to make the whole of Kidderminster more attractive.