Delays as A449 work starts

Commuters returning to work after the bank holiday break were today faced with chaos as a result of resurfacing works along a main Kidderminster road.

The A449 dual carriageway has been reduced to one lane at Comhampton to the main traffic island at Hartlebury and a 10mph speed limit is being enforced by a convoy car. The hold ups in both directions will last into next month.

The road forms part of a major route in and out of Kidderminster.

Signs on the road reveal that resurfacing works will be taking place for the next 10 days.

Today was the first day and motorists were faced with queues of more than 15 minutes as they tried to make their way along the two-and-a-half mile stretch.

Driver Sue Hanson, aged 60, from Kidderminster, was one of those caught up in the chaos. She said: "I have been told by friends that there were cars queuing for up to 20 minutes just to get a couple of miles along the road.

"I was delayed by around 10 minutes this morning and it was not even rush hour. I'll be seeking an alternative route while the rest of the work is carried out."

Traffic cones are in place and flashing signs alert drivers to the closure as they approach the road.

Worcestershire County Council spokesman Gemma Buggins said: "Essential resurfacing work will be carried out in places along the Northbound and Southbound carriageway of the A449 to ensure the condition of the road remains safe for motorists long-term.

"For safety reasons, a 10mph convoy working system will be in operation and while we understand this may cause some delays, we hope people will understand this work is necessary in making sure the condition of the road is maintained to a high standard, reducing the risk of more disruptions in the future.

"It is anticipated that the work will take up to 10 days to complete, but every effort will be made to complete the works early."