Queues at new roadworks in the Barbourne area of Worcester

Traffic congestion already building up Traffic congestion already building up

TRAFFIC in the centre of Worcester was congested at rush hour as commuters faced the first day of major roadworks.

Severn Trent Water started five weeks of work in Barbourne yesterday aimed at relieving the risk of sewer flooding in the area.

The A38 Barbourne Road and the southbound lane of Ombersley Road are closed and temporary traffic lights have been installed opposite Gheluvelt Park.

Congestion built up at the junction with B4482 Bilford Road, with reports that some drivers chose to ignore the 'road closed' signs.

Congestionwas not as bad as it might have been because of lighter traffic caused by the half term this week.

Traders in the area fear potential damage to business from the disruption.

UPDATE 1.50pm: Incorrectly placed ‘no entry’ signs were placed on northbound Ombersley Road this morning but were taken down when motorists contacted Worcestershire County Council’s highways team.

The council's highways manager, Jon Fraser, said: "An issue with signage at the site of Severn Trent works at Barbourne was identified today and this has now been corrected.

"Many thanks to everyone who took the time and trouble to let us know about this problem."


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Comments(5)

Pomygranit says...
10:55am Mon 18 Feb 13

Its almost 11 am and still no picture of the disgruntled shop owner bemoaning the time of year they are doing the work.
Has the woman form Lechmere Crescent (see last week Hylton Road) been stuck for over an hour watching the petrol gauge plummet been in touch yet?
Worcester awaits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!

CJH says...
11:04am Mon 18 Feb 13

"some drivers have chosen to ignore the 'road closed' signs". Confiscate their cars and make them wear a sign round their neck saying 'I am stupid and/or selfish'. Rotten fruit should be made available to throw at them.

New Kid on the Block says...
5:36pm Mon 18 Feb 13

CJH wrote:
"some drivers have chosen to ignore the 'road closed' signs". Confiscate their cars and make them wear a sign round their neck saying 'I am stupid and/or selfish'. Rotten fruit should be made available to throw at them.
They will soon learn that the road is actually closed.
When I went through northbound earlier there were lots of puzzled looking people having to turn round and go back. Perhaps they will now believe the signs.

I am glad to see that they have now got the signs correct. Last night when the signs were put out they closed off the northbound side of the Ombersley Road.

newike says...
11:46am Tue 19 Feb 13

Read today that the traffic chaos was not as bad as feared. Obviously the writer didn't go to town and try to return by bus. We were on the 303 for 40 minutes from the bus station to the New Inn on Ombersley Road. We usually walk one way. How long does that take ? That's right 40 minutes

Omicron says...
6:01pm Tue 19 Feb 13

CJH wrote:
"some drivers have chosen to ignore the 'road closed' signs". Confiscate their cars and make them wear a sign round their neck saying 'I am stupid and/or selfish'. Rotten fruit should be made available to throw at them.
I must be stupid because I totally ignore the "Road Closed" signs. By doing so I can get to the chemist, the post office, the chippie, the chinese take-a-way, the Co-op supermarket, the Texaco garage, Johnson's newsagent and Gheluvelt Park. And if I wasn't "stupid" it would be difficult for me to get to these places.

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