Latest news and progress on the A38 Bromsgrove improvements

Four councillors stood by an A38 stand to celebrate the funding.

Latest news and progress on the A38 Bromsgrove improvements

See updates on the various schemes and stages within the improvement programme.

February 2025

Work on the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) is making good progress. This project is designed to cut congestion, improve travel, and keep Bromsgrove ‘open for business’.

Latest updates on progress include:

flood resilience has been bolstered by installing large diameter drainage at A38 Buntsford Drive to Charford Road Junction and utilities enhanced though Virgin Media ducting upgrades
safety measures, including temporary fencing, have been implemented, and site clearance is now complete, with sustainable disposal of old street furniture and tree roots. Preparations for the next phase continue with topsoil stripping and ongoing utility investigations
site clearance has also been completed at A38 New Road Junction. Topsoil stripping is underway, and utility investigations are ongoing
meanwhile, at A38 / A448 Oakalls Roundabout, BT/Openreach ducting installation continues at the south side, while Virgin Media ducting has been fully installed on the west side

These improvements will make Bromsgrove’s transport network more efficient, ease congestion, and support future growth. We are currently on track with the programme of works and committed to building infrastructure that benefits all road users and keeps Bromsgrove thriving.

December 2024

Oakalls Roundabout footpath closure

To enable us to carry out the next stage of the improvement works, it will be necessary to close the footpath from Oakalls Roundabout to the west of the A38 travelling north to Slideslow Drive. The closure will be in place from the 9 December 2024 until the 8 October 2025. The work will involve road widening and footpath upgrade.

A diversion route has been signposted via Blackwood Road, and Slideslow Drive. The route can be seen in the map below. The map shows a pedestrian footpath closure and diversion route near the A38 Bromsgrove Eastern Bypass. The closed footpath is marked in solid red along the east side of the bypass, while the diversion route is marked with dashed blue lines, guiding pedestrians through nearby streets.

These are our proposed dates, however as always, we will make every endeavour to complete the work ahead of schedule. If work is completed early, some of the above dates may not be required.

Details of the scheme including individual scheme maps can be found here: Phase 3 of A38 BREP improvements

Autumn 2024

Drainage

Before any major highway project kicks off, we start by installing new drainage systems and relocating essential services like water, gas, electricity, and telecom lines.

Right now, we're putting in oversized drainage to help prevent downstream flooding by slowly releasing excess rainwater. Plus, we've added oil interceptors to catch any contaminated runoff from the road.

Relocating utilities takes careful planning - surveying, designing, coordinating with utility companies, and booking road space. After excavation, the services are either carefully shifted or replaced and connected to minimise disruptions. This sets the stage for building the new road, footways, and verges.

Next time you're on the A38, you'll see some areas cordoned off - this is where all the action is happening!

Invasive species update

As part of our site preparation, our contractor is actively removing Himalayan balsam. This invasive non-native plant, listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, poses a threat to local ecosystems. It can outcompete native species and create dense growths that block water flow, potentially leading to localised flooding. To prevent these issues, it’s best to remove Himalayan balsam before it flowers. Rest assured; all plant material is disposed of safely at an approved location.

Tree replacement initiative

As part of Phases 1 and 2 of the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme, we planted well over 400 native and naturalised trees. Unfortunately, some trees may be lost due to factors like animal damage, vandalism, and dry conditions. To address this, we conduct a “beating up” exercise to identify and replace any lost trees. We’re currently assessing which trees have failed, and replacements will be planted this late autumn and winter. We are committed to planting at least two new trees for every one that is lost, along with providing bat and bird boxes to support local wildlife.

What is Traffic Management?

When we work on major roads, Traffic Management is essential to keep everyone - drivers and workers - safe. Traffic Management includes things like barriers, cones, signs, temporary traffic lights, and speed limits to control traffic while work is underway.

We must approve all Traffic Management plans, and we aim to keep roads fully open. However, sometimes we need to narrow lanes or use temporary signals, especially when work like drainage installation is happening on one side of the road. In rare cases, roads might need to be fully closed, usually at night, to minimise disruption. If this happens, we'll post signs for detours and give advance notice.

While Traffic Management is in place, we maximize efficiency by completing multiple tasks in that area. For example, during a recent night closure, we also cleared out blocked drains.

Remember to follow all signs, signals, and speed limits when near Traffic Management zones. For everyone’s safety, never move the barriers or cones. Stay safe and alert!

September 2024

We undertook a consultation to remove trees on New Road in the vicinity of the junction with A38 and on the A38. All representations received were carefully considered and discussed at a Street Tree Review Panel on Tuesday 27 August 2024.

It was considered that the engineering works on the A38 and New Road are imperative for the purposes of achieving the objectives of the Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme. There is no alternative solution that would significantly reduce the number and extent of tree loss along the A38 northbound. However, an alternative engineering solution is being considered to reduce the level of tree loss where road widening is nominal. These areas shall now be classified as “at risk of damage or removal” rather than “removal”. If the alternative engineering solution is deemed unsuitable then all the trees highlighted for removal during consultation shall need to be removed.

As for the trees on New Road, west of the A38 , these will inhibit the engineering works and with no alternative engineering solutions having been identified that would allow the trees to be retained, the decision was therefore made for these trees to be removed.  An alternative engineering solution is being considered to reduce tree loss on New Road, east of the A38. Most of this area shall now be classified as “at risk of damage or removal” rather than “removal”, noting an area shall still require tree removal to enable the works. If the alternative engineering solution is deemed unsuitable all the trees highlighted for removal during consultation shall need to be removed.

Tree removal for this scheme shall be no earlier than 2 October 2024.

21 June 2024

Consultation on proposal to remove trees:

on Charford Road in vicinity of the junction with A38
on Stoke Road in vicinity of the junction with A38
on A38 Stoke Road and A38

More information on how you can have your say can be found here: Why do we need to remove trees to deliver BREP?

The consultation finished on 19 July 2024.

14 June 2024

Consultation on proposal to remove trees on New Road in vicinity of the junction with A38 Bromsgrove.

More information on how you can have your say can be found here: Why do we need to remove trees to deliver BREP?

The consultation runs until 12 July 2024.

10 May 2024

Consultation on proposal to remove poplar tree on A448 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove

More information on how you can have your say can be found on the Why do we need to remove trees to deliver BREP? page.

The consultation finished on 7 June 2024.

January 2024

As preparation for works starting on the A38 BREP begin, notices have been put up around the areas of Scheme B (A38 between Buntsford Drive and Charford Road) and Scheme E (Oakalls Roundabout) in the last couple of weeks.

These contain information on the removal of vegetation adjacent to the A38 Redditch Road and Stoke Road as well as two footway closure lasting approximately 1 week each at Oakalls roundabout.

Vegetation clearance

The removal of vegetation will be kept to a minimum to enable the improvements to the junction. Replanting of trees (native and specimen) and ornamental wildflowers and shrubs will follow construction.

The plans in the links below provide an indication of the vegetation to be removed, vegetation at risk of being damaged or removed as well as the reinstatement of new trees and shrubs, and where bulb or wildflower planting is planned. The plans show proposals along A38 Stoke Road towards and around the Stoke Road and Sherwood Road roundabout Junction.

For any questions or queries please contact, email: A38BREP@��Ƶ.gov.uk

Crossing closure

Works are planned to begin at Oakalls roundabout, with the removal of central pedestrian islands.

There will be closures of the existing public footway crossing points at the northern traffic island and the southern traffic island on the A38. These closures and diversions of the public footway are necessary to carry improvements to the crossings, including signalisation.

The images below shows the section of closed footway and the diversion route for pedestrians and cyclists.

The closure and diversion will be in place for approximately one week.

The image below shows the northern traffic island closure and pedestrian diversion route.

The image below shows the southern traffic island closure and pedestrian diversion route.

Should you have any specific queries, please contact the A38 BREP team on their dedicated email: A38BREP@worcestershire.gov.uk

Archived updates

December 2023

Multi-million pound works to improve the A38 in Bromsgrove are due to start in early 2024, with a major contractor for the scheme now announced.

The Council has signed a contract with Colas, a world leader in the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure, for the delivery of seven schemes along the A38 as part of the latest phase of the County Council’s A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP).

This will form part of the wider A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme, with further schemes being delivered through existing the Council contracts by Griffiths Habitat and species surveys to reconfirm previous findings are now underway, with works on the scheme due to begin in the early 2024.

This will include works on the carriageway along the A38 and the removal of vegetation to allow for junction improvements, including improved capacity and better cycling and walking facilities.

The ambitious programme will help to tackle congestion, improve local journey times, encourage active travel and support new jobs and homes.

The A38 currently experiences significant congestion at peak times leading to unreliable journey times for residents and businesses and is set to worsen if the improvements are not made.

The project will see capacity improvements at key junctions together with localised road widening, thereby helping to improve traffic flow and reduce unnecessary bottlenecks along the route between Junction 4 of the M5 to the north and the A38/B4094 to the south. Improvements will be made to cycling facilities including the provision of an active travel route between the train station and the town centre which will include new road crossings.

This will improve safety and provide more options for active travel. Real Time Information will be installed at bus stops along key routes crossing the A38 which will provide passengers with live updates to help them plan their journeys better.

The total cost of the A38 BREP is just over £50 million, with the Department for Transport committing to provide just over £43 million and the remainder from local developer contributions.

The government department confirmed funding on 3 August 2023, with then UK’s Road Minister Richard Holden visiting Bromsgrove to see where the upgrades are set to happen.

For any comments or questions please contact the project team inbox on A38BREP@worcestershire.gov.uk

August 2023

The Council has been successful in gaining approval for more than £43 million to invest in improvements to the A38 in Bromsgrove.

The ambitious scheme will help to tackle congestion, improve local journey times, encourage active travel and support new jobs and homes.

The A38 currently experiences significant congestion at peak times leading to unreliable journey times for residents and businesses and is set to worsen if the improvements are not made.

Improvements will be made to cycling facilities including the provision of an active travel route between the train station and the town centre which will include new road crossings.

The total cost of the scheme is c£50 million, with the Department for Transport committing to provide just over £43 million and the Council providing the remainder, largely funded by contributions that developers are required to make to improve transport infrastructure.

December 2022

County Council Cabinet agreed on 8th December that the full business case for the Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme will be further developed for submission to the Department of Transport (DfT).

The remaining work (originally all part of Phase 3) has been split into two phases, to form Phase 3 and Phase 4, as a solution to high inflation specifically around large infrastructure schemes.

The government has committed funding for the delivery of the scheme which will go towards Phase 3 of the works but Phase 4 will need further funding.

November 2022

Cabinet to consider submission of Full Business Case

Following approval of the Outline Business Case by the Department for Transport (DfT) earlier this year, work has been carried out on the production of a Full Business Case (FBC) which is the next stage of the process. Cabinet will be asked to approve submission of the FBC to the DfT on 8 December.

Should this be approved, a further update will be posted on this page.

A summary report regarding the public engagement exercise carried out on Scheme 9 and the alternative to Scheme 3 will be published this year

August 2022

The Department for Transport made the following announcement:

Vital A38 upgrades to support thousands of new homes and jobs in ��Ƶ

vital works to A38 will generate more than £93 million in economic benefits for the Midlands
improvements will support 1,100 new jobs and 5,500 new homes in the region
part of Government’s continued action to level up transport, tackle local congestion and improve journeys

People in ��Ƶ are set to benefit from more than £43 million of Government funding for A38 upgrades to tackle congestion, improve local journeys, and support thousands of new jobs and homes.

The project will generate more than £93 million in economic benefits for local communities in the Midlands, with the improvements directly supporting 1,100 new jobs and the development of 5,500 new homes as the Government continues to grow the economy, helping to address the cost of living.

The A38 currently experiences significant congestion during the weekday rush hour, with severe delays at junctions and unreliable journey times affecting local residents’ ability to travel and get to work.
Planned works will install new lanes at key junctions and widen the existing road, helping to improve traffic flow and reduce the threat of any unnecessary bottlenecks in the region. These upgrades will take place on a 7.5 mile stretch of the route, between the M5 Junction 4 to the north and the A38/B4094 to the south.

Transport Minister Baroness Vere said:

“I know local residents in ��Ƶ have been affected by congestion along this key route for too long.

“That’s why we’re investing more than £43 million, providing a huge boost to the area’s economy and ensuring people can get around the region quicker and easier – whether that be for work, education or to see family and friends.

“We’ll continue investing in important transport schemes across the country, just like this one, as we level up, support local economies, and provide people with the world-class infrastructure they deserve.”

The improved traffic flow and lower congestion will also reduce journey times for local buses, making commutes shorter and more reliable. Real time passenger information will be installed at bus stops along the route which will provide passengers with live updates to help them plan their journey, in line with the Government’s long term strategy for buses outside London.

Local residents will benefit from improved walking and cycling facilities. A new cycle and pedestrian corridor running parallel to the A38 will be built, while new crossings and overbridges will connect to the wider local cycle network. This will improve safety, provide more options for active travel and support the drive to net zero.

The total cost of the scheme is £49.8 million, with the Department for Transport committing to provide just over £43 million and ��Ƶ County Council providing the remainder.

��Ƶ County Council's Leader, Councillor Simon Geraghty, said:

“We are delighted that the A38 project has taken a huge next step forward in the journey towards securing £43 million funding from the Department for Transport.

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

The scheme comes as part of the Government’s drive to level up transport, reduce emissions by boosting opportunities for cycling and walking, and create more opportunities for people right across the country.

It’s the latest in a series of Government investments to boost local transport infrastructure, including £5.7 billion for future local transport projects and more than £160 million in four major road projects across England.

The local council must now successfully complete the design of the project; identify a preferred contractor; and submit to the Department a Full Business Case for final funding approval. If that is approved works are expected to start in early 2023.

11 November 2021

Council decides on Bromsgrove A38 schemes in advance of funding application

A funding application for £49million to allow ��Ƶ County Council to cut congestion in Bromsgrove will be submitted to the Department for Transport later this month.

The Outline Business Case for significant investment would enable the County Council to deliver Phase 3 of the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme.

Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport said:

“The A38 is one of the most important and busiest roads in the county which suffers from heavy congestion at peak times leading to prolonged and unreliable journey times with subsequent environmental impacts.

If nothing is done to address these issues, the situation will only get worse leading to more congestion. We received some valuable feedback from local residents and we have made revisions to two of the schemes within the programme.

We had originally planned to close the junction of School Lane and the A38, however I have decided that we will keep School Lane open. We will instead only prohibit the right turn from the A38, given the need to keep traffic flowing and reduce congestion, both being key objectives of this scheme."

The original proposals also included plans to construct a pedestrian and cycling footbridge to link the two severed ends of Old Station Road on either side of the A38 which is on a direct line between the railway station and town centre. However, the County Council has paused the development of the bridge scheme whilst exploring the possibility of other options that could deliver the same objectives”.

6 August 2021

Next step for Bromsgrove’s newest walking and cycling bridge

A brand-new footbridge in Bromsgrove is progressing well and has now had its bridge beams installed.

The beams will join up the segregated cycle and footway between Charford Road and Harvington Road in Bromsgrove.

The footbridge, once complete, will allow for better access by walking and cycling as part of a range of improvements along the whole A38 corridor.

Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport for ��Ƶ County Council, said: “The schemes to complete the Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme on the A38 are gathering pace, with yet another element to improve walking and cycling connectivity being moved into place last month.

“This bridge, alongside other infrastructure improvements in the A38 corridor will vastly improve walking and cycling routes in the area.”

The bridge beams were lifted into place over two nights, late last month, on 22 and 23 July.

Further works will be needed before the bridge becomes operational including the connection to the existing shared use footway network on both sides.

It is expected that the bridge will be open for public use in the Autumn.

27 May 2021

Bromsgrove improvements progressing well

Works on three schemes to make improvements along the A38 corridor in Bromsgrove are progressing well.

These Phase 2 works are being delivered by ��Ƶ County Council, as part of the wider A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (A38 BREP).

The improvements will enhance the cycling and walking network in and around the town, and link in with other County Council schemes.

The three schemes will see the following improvements made:
A new Toucan Crossing created on the A448 Stratford Road, adjacent to Blackwood Road and Fordhouse Road.

A segregated footway/cycleway between Harvington Road and Charford Road.

An upgrade to the northern footpath on Charford Road between the A38 and South Bromsgrove School.

24 February 2021

Two new schemes added to list of proposed A38 Bromsgrove improvements

��Ƶ County Council wants to hear from residents about two new schemes that have been developed to help improve the cycling and walking network in the A38 Bromsgrove corridor.

Following feedback from residents at the Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) engagement sessions which were held across the town last year, two new schemes have been added to the proposed improvements.

Scheme 1 would see the creation of a new segregated walking and cycling route alongside this section of the A38. It would also include the removal of the left turn bypass lane at the Slideslow Drive roundabout, allowing a new toucan crossing on Slideslow Drive to be created.

Scheme 6 would see works taking place on Regents Park Road, between the roundabout with the A38/A448 and Royal Worcester Crescent. The works would include the addition of a shared foot/cycleway, which will link into current facilities within the Oakalls Estate.

Any feedback can then be sent to majorprojects@worcestershire.gov.uk.

The deadline for your feedback is Friday 19th March 2021.

10 February 2021

A38 motorway junction improvements set to take another step forward

The works to make improvements to the A38 at Junction 1 of the M42 in Bromsgrove are progressing well.

Works to widen the A38 northbound have been completed, with the focus now on widening the southbound section, installing the new service road to improve access to properties and adding the central splitter island to enhance crossing facilities.

The works are part of the wider A38 Bromsgrove Improvement Scheme, which has already seen improvements made at Barley Mow Lane and the A38 at junction 4 of the M5.

To allow the works to progress, some overnight works are needed for resurfacing and the updating of road markings. The works will happen in two phases. The first phase will be from 18th February to 3rd March, between 9pm-6am.

This will involve the closure of the exits and entries to the roundabout, including the M42 slip roads, Old Birmingham Road and Alcester Road. The A38 will remain open, with two-way traffic signals either side of the roundabout.

Phase two, will take place between 4th March and 11th March, between 9pm-6am. This will involve closure of the A38 north of the roundabout to the Topaz Business Park, to allow for resurfacing and line-marking.

9 February 2021

Further Bromsgrove walking and cycling improvements to start this month

Works on two schemes to make improvements along the A38 corridor in Bromsgrove will get underway this month.

These works, which will start during week commencing 15th February, are part of three schemes which are being delivered by ��Ƶ County Council, prior to the wider A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP).

The works will make additional improvements and link into other schemes to enhance the cycling and walking network in and around the town.

21 December 2020

Walking and cycling improvements to push ahead

Works on three proposed schemes to make improvements along the A38 corridor in Bromsgrove are set to go ahead, prior to the wider A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) being delivered by ��Ƶ County Council.

The three schemes will make additional improvements and link into other schemes, to enhance the cycling and walking network in and around the town.

These three schemes aim to provide a high-quality walking and cycling corridor between the Artrix area and Charford Road.

The works include, a new Toucan Crossing of the A448 Stratford Road, adjacent to Blackwood Road and Fordhouse Road, a segregated footway/cycleway between Harvington Road and Charford Lane and an upgrade to the northern footpath on Charford Road between the A38 and South Bromsgrove School, which will include a new Toucan Crossing.

Works are set to start on these three schemes early in 2021.

14 October 2020

Major A38 Bromsgrove improvements seeking approval for next step

The proposed scheme to make further improvements to the A38 in Bromsgrove is set to go before ��Ƶ County Council Cabinet next week.

The Cabinet meeting, taking place on Thursday 22nd October, will include discussions on the set of proposals that make up the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP). A decision is to be made as to whether the programme of works can move on the next stage of submitting the funding bid to the Department for Transport.

This focuses on a programme of schemes that aim to build on the work that’s already underway on the A38 in Bromsgrove, to reduce congestion and improve further, the walking and cycling network in and around the town.

23 September 2020

Overnight closures at M5 Junction 4

Please be aware of the following night closures, as part of the improvement works on the A38 at M5 J4:

Wed 23 Sept : 9pm to 6am
Thur 24 Sept: 9pm to 6am
Fri 25 Sept: 9pm to 6am

14 July 2020

M42 Junction 1 improvements set to get underway

Works to make improvements to Junction 1 of the M42 in Bromsgrove are set to get underway next week.

The works which are being carried out by ��Ƶ County Council will start week beginning 20th July and include widening of both the A38 northbound exit and southbound approach to the roundabout and a new service road for properties facing the A38 southbound, offering improved access for vehicles.

The works are part of the wider A38 Bromsgrove Improvement scheme, which has already seen improvements made at Barley Mow Lane and work started last month on improvements to junction 4 of the M5.

������Ƶ