DRIVERS say "filthy" bollards and crash barriers are putting people at risk on a stretch of Worcester's busy southern link road.

The section of the A4440 between Whittington roundabout and Norton island has been the scene of major roadworks for months under the county council's £42 million dualling project.

But the busy route features barely any lighting despite the regular, heavy rush hour congestion as darkness falls.

Temporary crash posts designed to be reflective sit in between the traffic heading in either direction but in recent weeks they have become caked in dirt, making them difficult to see at night.

And drivers say they fear accidents will take place as people try to navigate the narrow lanes.

Cllr Tom Wells, who represents Powick on Worcestershire County Council, says he's become increasingly concerned by the route after more and more worried drivers started to contact him about it.

He says cars using the route are "like rabbits caught in the headlights", and wants it investigating.

"You've got a very narrow carriageway and the only thing separating you from the other traffic are these tiny little marker posts," he said.

"But they are so filthy they are no longer reflective, until they get cleaned that is and then they are dirty again.

"As you come down that hill, off the Whittington island you get blinded by lights, you're caught like a rabbit in the headlights.

"And on top of that, on the other side of the marker posts there's a big concrete barrier.

"It needs proper lighting and a lit gantry."

A six-vehicle crash in the roadworks between the two roundabouts during the morning rush-hour last September caused chaos for commuters.

The road was shut for more than two-hours while the clear-up operation took place, with queuing traffic tailing all the way to Junction 7 of the M5 and – in the opposite direction – to the Ketch roundabout.

Council bosses say the crash posts are being cleaned regularly, but the wet and murky winter weather is having an impact.

Cllr Ken Pollock, the cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure said: "Lane closures are necessary to carry out the work in a safe, efficient manner and this entails the use of barriers, cones, signage, a reduced speed limit and lighting in certain locations.

"The reflective material on the barriers is inspected on a daily basis and cleaned or repaired as necessary.

"Lighting is required where it's necessary for traffic to change lanes and suitable lighting has been installed at those locations.

"The council and its contractors take their responsibilities regarding the safety of road users and the workforce extremely seriously, and the works are inspected on a regular basis to ensure best practice is being followed.

"We are grateful to motorists for driving through the works in a responsible manner."

The link road work is scheduled to run until early 2019, but by that stage the council hopes to be able to carry on with 'phase four' of the project by dualling Carrington Bridge.

A bid for almost £70 million to dual the A4440 bridge to Powick island is currently sat with Government ministers.