���˿���

The £50m project to upgrade the A38 in Worcestershire is scheduled to start within weeks.

The county council has confirmed that initial work on the scheme near Bromsgrove will begin during the week of 15 January.

The project involves work on a 7.5 mile (12km) stretch of the road, between the M5 Junction 4 and the A38/B4094.

It is hoped the scheme will ease congestion and reduce journey times.

A cycling and pedestrian corridor will also be created as part of the plans.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council, said the project was “essential” for residents in Bromsgrove.

“This significant programme will help improve everyday journeys around Bromsgrove, easing traffic for local people, as well as boosting the local economy,” he added.

Temporary cabins will be put in place on the layby of the A38 near Buntsford Drive during the week commencing 15 January.

Site clearance work would then be carried out adjacent to the A38 Redditch Road and Stoke Road towards the end of the month.

Works are also planned to begin at Oakalls roundabout, with the removal of central pedestrian islands planned to begin the week commencing 22 January.

The government has provided £43m of the total funding for the project, with the remainder coming from local developer contributions.

Follow ���˿��� West Midlands on , , and . Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk, external