WORK on the latest phase of the Southern Link Road Development continues with trees being removed to make way for a new bridge and extra lanes.

The trees have been removed from the land next to Carrington Bridge, with a new bridge to be built next to it to widen the road and accommodate the extra two lanes of traffic required as part of the work between the Ketch and Powick roundabouts.

The work on the road includes a new security fence on the southern side of Temeside Way between the Carrington Bridge and Powick Roundabout.

The intention of the work is to dual the entire length from the M5 to the Powick roundabout, because this cannot be achieved in one phase, the scheme is being delivered in stages.

Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council said: "In line with planning permission for the scheme, vegetation and trees on the southern side the Southern Link Road have been removed, to allow the construction of the new carriageway.

"The removal of the trees needs to take place now to avoid the bird nesting season. Any trees that are removed will be replaced nearby with native species. The work is currently on schedule."

So far, the Southern Link Road has been fully dualled between the Ketch and Norton Roundabouts, with both roundabouts being widened to improve capacity.

The work is expected to be fully completed in 2021 with the dualling of the Southern Link Road between Junction 7 of the M5 and Powick Roundabout.

To keep up to date visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/slr