TODAY sees the start of roadworks which will cut off one of the main routes into Worcester.

Roadworks to fix a sewer pipe to the new housing development has meant Main Road in Hallow will be closed for six weeks.

This morning, work is beginning to close off the road and set up a diversion along the A449 and across Holt Bridge.

Early on, delays of up to nine minutes were showing in Main Road but the road will completely shut off between Pinchfield Gardens and Greenhill Lane.

Worcestershire County Council's Highways Team and developers Piper Homes said the work has been timed with the summer holidays to minimise disruption.

Bus diversions

Worcestershire County Council said the 758 & 294/296 bus services will not serve Hallow during the road closure.

Passengers can use the Astons 308 service  for Worcester from The Crown Inn.

Departure times are: 07:33, 09:25, 10:50, 12:50, 14:50.

Return times from Worcester Crowngate are: 12:00, 14:00, 17:45.

Road diversions

Drivers are being told to follow the diversion via A449 east of River Severn which will be signposted.

There are also alternative routes around the roadworks which go through Wichenford and the Martley Road.

Paths in the area remain open.

READ MORE: Hallow road closure: Here's where you will be diverted

Businesses

Worcester News:

Businesses in the area remain open as usual.

While the road is closed between Pinchfield Gardens and Greenhill Lane, people can still gain access to businesses in the area by foot.

However, both Ladygo Stores and Main Road Motor Company has spoken about the financial impact of losing passing trade to the closure.

READ MORE: Shop 'to lose thousands' when main route into Worcester closes

READ MORE: Used car garage could lose £.5m turnover during Hallow closure

What has the developer Piper Homes said?

“We are very sorry for any disruption caused to businesses in and around Hallow while mandatory drainage works take place on the A443 this summer.

Developer apologises for disruption

“We are always keen to minimise the impact of our construction work on local communities. Unfortunately, in this case, leaving a portion of the road open during the very deep drainage works was not an option due to the safety risks it would pose to motorists and pedestrians. However, we have ensured the works coincide with the school holidays when the main road through Hallow is expected to be quieter.

“We remain confident that our new development will boost both the local community and local trade significantly in the medium to long term as new residents move to the area.”

What has Worcestershire County Council said?

“Unfortunately the work requires a 3 metre deep trench in the centre of the road. With the required safety zones, a full road closure is required and we are unable to keep either side of the road open for traffic.

“The closure has been planned for the school holidays as to minimise disruption, however we recognise that this is a busy route into the city and disruption will still occur. There are advanced signs warning of the road closure and additional signs will be provided at the time of the closure.  We have been communicating the closure on our travel twitter account and Piper Homes, have communicated the closure detail with residents affected.

“As this is an A road closure, the diversion route will take people over Holt Fleet bridge and in to Worcester via the A449, but there are other alternative routes. There will still be pedestrian access through Main Road.”