A NEW underpass taking pedestrians under the A4440 is due to open this week.

The new underpass runs under the A4440 Southern Link Road and is the fourth crossing to be installed along with the Hams Way, Crookbarrow Way and Broomhall Way footbridges.

The underpass runs under Temeside Way, between the Ketch Roundabout and Carrington Bridge, and will replace the current uncontrolled road crossing.

One of the entrances directly leads onto the footpath to the Toby Carvery and is intended as a new way of crossing for pedestrians.

Worcestershire County Council says the new underpass will offer a safer, traffic-free, crossing for pedestrians and cyclists - opening on Friday, May 13.

Worcester News: LOCATION: The approximate location of the underpassLOCATION: The approximate location of the underpass

Councillor Alan Amos, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "It’s great that we now have all four new crossings of the Southern Link Road operational, improving access and providing safer routes across the busy road.

"This underpass, alongside the bridges, and a much wider shared walking and cycle path between the Ketch roundabout and Powick roundabout, will vastly improve the walking and cycling routes in the area.

"This is in addition to the scheme providing a dual carriageway for traffic from the M5 to Powick roundabout."

More work on the approaches to the underpass are set for the next few weeks, with pedestrians advised to follow any signs in place.