MOTORISTS using a busy dual carriageway will be given some respite from road works this weekend.

The first week of essential repairs to the A449 between Ombersley Bridge and where it becomes a single carriageway at Hartlebury near Kidderminster has been completed.

While the works, which include patching and resurfacing on the route, have been ongoing, Worcestershire Highways have instigated a convoy system during off-peak hours only between 9.30am until 3.30pm and 7.30pm until 6am, to help keep any disruption to a minimum.

But this will be removed during the early hours of tomorrow (Saturday) and re-installed late on Sunday (February 29).

Council chiefs say work has progressed well and is on schedule to be completed as planned by next Friday (March 6).

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council Highways Customer and Community Manager, said: "We'd like to thank motorists for their patience as the overwhelming majority have shown patience while our teams carry out these essential works.

"It's worth reiterating the importance of adhering to all traffic management in place which is set up to ensure the safety of the workforce and all road users. Anyone ignoring the traffic management will be reported to the police.

"It's essential that we get these works completed to improve things for motorists using the road. We fully recognise that delays are frustrating. We're looking to reduce disruption as much as possible by working outside of peak hours.

"There is never an ideal time to carry out works of this nature on such a key route but we do very much appreciate the understanding shown to date."