Newtown Road (Upper) Key Corridor of Improvement Scheme

This scheme was completed in April 2011.

Why were the works carried out?

Newtown Road (Upper) Key Corridor of Improvement forms part of the wider Worcester Transport Strategy, a major programme of investment to upgrade and improve transport infrastructure in Worcester to meet existing and future demand to travel, by providing improved infrastructure for all modes of transport, supporting Park and Ride and new highway infrastructure where this can be justified.

An Air Quality Management Area was designated in 2009 along the upper part of Newtown Road, from the main entrance to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital to Canterbury Road West. This deterioration in air quality was caused by excessive levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO²) from road traffic emissions.

The Newtown Road Key Corridor of Improvement includes a number of measures to significantly improve traffic flow for all vehicles and reduce traffic queues. It is anticipated that this will result in the removal of the Air Quality Management Area, improving the local environment.

How was the scheme financed?

The scheme was financed using Local Transport Plan 2 funding which was secured from central government in 2005.

What has been achieved?

• A reduction in congestion and 'bunching' of traffic along the route, which has improved environmental conditions.
• An overall improvement in journey times and journey time reliability for all modes of transport.
• Improved public realm, through sensitive planting and landscaping
• A significant improvement in the quality of infrastructure and conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and buses.
• Provision of suitably enhanced infrastructure to enable and facilitate the redevelopment of the former Ronkswood Hospital site.
• Improved management of on-street parking.
• Provision of bus priority measures to support the development of a Park and Ride service from Sixways Interchange to Worcester City Centre, via the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.