Pershore infrastructure improvement scheme

Pershore infrastructure improvement scheme

Information on the scheme to upgrade the links between Pershore town centre and the A44.

Background

Above is the map showing where the works on the Pershore Infrastructure Improvements Scheme will take place. Scheme one is to build the Pershore Northern Link Road, scheme two is making enhancements to Pinvin Junction and scheme three is making improvements to the Station Road and Wyre Road Junction.

There are a number of transport issues just outside Pershore which are causing poor journey time reliability and congestion. The A44 is not performing to its intended capacity and knock on effects have further impacts on the road network as a whole. For example:

  • increasing congestion along Station Road and use of Station Road by heavy goods vehicles accessing Keytec Business Park
  • the B4084 remains busy as people are choosing to drive through Pershore to avoid delays at Pinvin

The Keytec Business Park is recognised as an important concentration of higher value and higher skilled jobs. Existing access routes are indirect and not suited to carrying heavy vehicles and all are envisaged to be at or close to capacity by 2030. If this employment location is to reach its full potential, improved access is critical. The South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) recognises that high levels of development need to be supported by improvements to the road network as traffic flows will increase.

The proposal

To tackle these issues, a number of works are being proposed that will seek to upgrade the links between Pershore town centre and the A44. This comprises of three key scheme elements:

  1. The construction of a Northern Link Road

    This will provide a direct link between the existing A44/B4083 roundabout (north of the Worcester to Oxford railway line) and the B4083 roundabout (south of the railway line). The Link Road will provide a direct connection between the Keytec Business Park and the A44
     

  2.  Enhancement to the A44 Pinvin Crossroads

    The scheme design will complement the delivery of the Northern Link Road by prioritising the A44 link and thus reducing the green signal time on Terrace Road to enable a smoother through flow of traffic. This will reinforce the Northern Link Road as the main north-south route between Pershore and the A44
     

  3. Improvements to signalisation of A4104 Station Road and B4083 Wyre Road junction

    The scheme will complement the delivery of the Northern Link Road by prioritising the Station Road (south) to Wyre Road movement of traffic. This will also reinforce the Northern Link Road as the main north-south route between Pershore and the A44.

    This signalised junction is currently being constructed by Persimmon Homes to enable a safe and easier passage for vehicles and pedestrians. This will provide a robust and permanent signalised junction, which can be re-configured by the County Council at a later date, as part of the wider Pershore Infrastructure Improvements scheme. To read more about the Persimmon Homes work on the junction, please download Persimmon Homes Public Exhibition leaflet.

Engagement

Public engagement sessions were held during November and December of 2017 and feedback on the scheme was also welcomed via email un until the end of December 2017.

An Engagement Report has been produced which details the feedback received and proposed recommendations following this feedback.

Download the Pershore Infrastructure Scheme Engagement report February 2018

Contact

Further information can be found in the FAQ section on the next page, however, if you would like any further information or have a query please email: majorprojects@worcestershire.gov.uk.

Scheme maps

Please be aware that these documents are very detailed and may not be accessible to all. If you require any further assistance with these, please get in touch via majorprojects@worcestershire.gov.uk

Pershore Northern Link Road

Link Road and Wyre Road roundabout

This map shows the proposed layout of the new junction where the new Link Road meets the Wyre Road roundabout. Works here include a new crossing facility.

Download: Link Road and Wyre Road roundabout (PDF)

Link Road and A44 roundabout

This map shows the proposed layout of the new junction where the new Link Road meets the A44/B4083 roundabout. Works here include a new crossing facility.

Download: Link Road and A44 roundabout (PDF)

Link Road Carriageway

This map is split into two. The top section of the map shows the proposed layout of the road on the approach to the new Link Road junction with the Wyre Road roundabout. The bottom of the map shows the proposed road layout on the approach to the new Link Road junction with the A44/B4083 roundabout.

Download: Link Road Carriageway (PDF)

Pinvin Junction

This map shows the overall improvements that have taken place at Pinvin Junction. Works here included the introduction of a new link road between the A44 and Main Street, widened footways and widened approaches to the junction to improve traffic capacity. Main Street was also realigned to create a crossroads.

Download: Pinvin Junction (PDF)

Wyre Road East

This map shows the section of Wyre Road from its junction with the A4104. The map highlights the works to install the new cycle/footway and other changes to the kerb line and signage. The map is split into two. The top half shows the work taking place from the A4104 junction and joins into the map on the bottom, showing the work being carried out of the westerly side of Wyre Road.

Download: Wyre Road East (PDF)

Wyre Road Central

This map carries along Wyre Road, showing the works taking place in the middle section of the road. The map is split into two, showing two separate sections of the road. The map highlights the works to install the new cycle/footway and other changes to the kerb line and signage.

Download: Wyre Road Central (PDF)

Wyre Road West

This map carries along Wyre Road, detailing work up to the roundabout. The map is split into two. The map highlights the works to install the new cycle/footway and other changes to the kerb line and signage.

Download: Wyre Road West (PDF)

Scheme progress

September 2022

The Pershore Northern Link Road is now open

Over the next few months, there will be some minor works ongoing on site, which include vegetation planting and the installation of signage.

To allow some of the work to take place, there will, at times, be the need for traffic management and an overnight road closure of the new link road will be required to remove some temporary works from the bridge.

The classification of roads in the area will change, with Station Road becoming the B4083 and Wyre Road and the Link Road being upgraded to the A4104, with a 40mph speed limit throughout.

July 2022

Work is continuing on the installation of the bridge over the railway line, as part of the works to construct the Pershore Northern Link Road. 

Take a look at this video, which shows the story of the installation of the bridge so far.

April 2022

Works got underway earlier this month to install the new bridge over the railway, as part of the construction of the Pershore Northern Link Road.

The beams have been successfully lifted into place and works are now ongoing to install the bridge deck. 

February 2022

Works to construct the new cycle/footway on Wyre Road are progressing well, with the first 200 metres of the works from the Wyre Road Roundabout now completed.

Works are also taking place on the new Pershore Northern Link Road, which will provide a link from Wyre Road to the A44. 

Works on the 8-metre-high reinforced embankment walls north and south of the railway line are nearing completion, with works on the installation of the new railway bridge set to start in the coming weeks.

September 2021

Works are currently taking place on Wyre Road, to make improvements to the cycling and walking provision. These works have recently focused on clearing the site of existing vegetation and work on drainage, including the retention pond.

Works are also taking place on the new Pershore Northern Link Road, and if you’ve been past the site recently you will have noticed the changing landscape. Piles have been sunk into bedrock and the new columns have now been installed north and south of the rail track for the new railway bridge. The majority of the drainage has been installed and foundations laid for the 8m high retention wall to the south.

March 2021

Persimmon Homes has closed Wyre Road for six weeks to complete junction improvements to Station Road / Wyre Road. This junction will eventually allow traffic travelling north out of Pershore to use the Wyre Road and the new Link Road to gain access to the A44. Once the Link Road is open, Wyre Road will become the A4104 and Station Road will become the B4083. 

Further improvements to Wyre Road will include the provision of a cycleway and footway on the northern side, the installation of a new kerb line, improvements to drainage and additional streetlighting. The speed limit for Wyre Road and the new Link Road will become 40mph, which for Wyre Road is a reduction from the National Speed Limit currently in place.

Following approval by Wychavon District Council, some hedgerow removal has taken place on the north section of Wyre Road, in advance of the main contract. A section of hedge adjacent to properties in Mirabelle Gardens has been left in place to provide security and screening and will not be removed until later in the year. A replacement fence, hedge and trees will be installed along the new boundary line, following completion of the works.

Draft plans, detailing the works on Wyre Road, are available upon request by emailing majorprojects@worcestershire.gov.uk. Please be aware that these draft plans are subject to change.

Temporary fencing has been erected behind the removed hedge and material from the hedge has been used to provide reptile shelter following advice from ecologists and in consultation with local members, the town council and the Wildlife Trust.

The main contract for Wyre Road will start in the summer, to install the new cycle/footway. Once completed a continuous cycle/footway will link Station Road and the new Link Road.

February 2021

Works to make improvements to Pinvin Junction are almost complete. The focus has now shifted to the installation of the Pershore Northern Link Road, where the site compound is being set up and the site is being prepared for this part of the scheme to begin.

Advanced works are also set to get underway this month, ahead of works that will take place later this year on Wyre Road to introduce additional walking and cycling facilities.

These works will take place from week commencing 22 February and will include vegetation removal, to allow for the wider shared use foot/cycleway to be installed.

These works are being carried out now, ahead of bird nesting season and will take place during the closure of Wyre Road by Persimmon Homes. Replanting of vegetation will happen following the completion of the scheme.

October 2020

The new look junction is now taking shape. Works have recently focussed on the extension of the A44 north-west of the junction to accommodate an additional right-hand turn. Works have also taken place on the kerbing and installation of a new footpath on the south-east side of the A44 towards White Logistics.

June 2020

Further to the guidance from Transport Minister, Baroness Vere, regarding the resumption of Highway maintenance and improvement schemes, work has now resumed on site. All work is being carried out following the Highway Sector’s Site Operating Procedures which provide guidance on travel to work, welfare facilities, hygiene practices and other site management practices designed to control the spread of the virus.

The planned closure of Terrace Road took place between 23 to 31 May to allow for utility works to take place. The temporary traffic lights are now back in place on the junction to allow for the continuation of the A44 carriageway works.

February 2020

The planned closure of Terrace Road took place over the half term holiday. This allowed Severn Trent Water and Openreach to come in and work on vital utility diversions.

The junction is now working on three-way temporary traffic lights, with vehicles now able to use the newly built link road from Pinvin to the A44.

January 2020

Over the past couple of months, works have focused on the installation of the new slip road and allowing for the diversion of utilities including Severn Trent Water and Openreach.

The next phase of the works will involve carriageway widening of the A44. To allow these works to progress, temporary traffic lights will be in place on the junction from week commencing 27th January. Also, traffic travelling from Pinvin will be diverted onto the new slip and sent on the A44 towards the Evesham Road.

A closure will also take place on Terrace Road between Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February, to allow Openreach and Severn Trent Water to undertake further utility diversions.

November 2019

Work has now started onsite and has, so far, focused on the building of the site compound. A closure took place on Terrace Road over the October half term to allow Openreach to undertake a major utility diver

Frequently asked questions

Will any of the existing planting be lost?

Yes, a number of trees will require removal in certain locations, however they will be replaced in accordance with landscaping / ecological proposals in the planning submission.

How are the works progressing?

The improvements at the Station Road/Wyre Road Junction and at Pinvin Junction are complete, with works ongoing on the construction of the Pershore Northern Link Road and walking/cycling improvements on Wyre Road.

How much is this going to cost?

The approximate cost is £11.6m and will be funded from a number of sources, for example, Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Wychavon District Council.

When will the works be completed?

Works are set for completion on the whole scheme in summer 2022.

Will I have lots of construction vehicles passing my house?

Construction traffic will be limited to what is needed for each element of the scheme and construction vehicles will not be allowed to use local residential areas.

How will commuters be affected during construction?

There will be times when disruption will be unavoidable. Worcestershire County Council will work closely with Contractors to minimise disruption by:

  • undertaking as much of the work offline as possible
  • using lane closures rather than traffic signals to protect workforce and road users
  • limiting the use of traffic signals to off peak times
  • using night time closures (these will be publicised) to undertake certain aspects of the works (resurfacing etc.)
  • where any footways are being realigned, temporary diversions will be provided; the public footpath along the railway will be closed during the works

Wyre Road and Station Road Junction: Why are you not building a roundabout?

Worcestershire County Council has concluded that a standard roundabout to replace temporary traffic lights next to a new housing estate in Pershore is not a feasible option. A standard sized roundabout is unsuitable as it would require land outside of the Council’s control to make it possible and would be significantly more expensive to implement. Traffic lights are more manageable and it is easier to control traffic flow, enabling priority towards strategic routes. The scheme will upgrade the three-way junction being provided by developers and will encourage the moment of vehicles along Wyre Road and the new link road. A signalised junction is also better for pedestrian and cyclist movements across the junction than a roundabout which would be significantly more expensive to implement.

Latest news

The latest updates on the Pershore Infrastructure Improvement Scheme

29 November 2022

The brand new Pershore Northern Link Road is now formally open.

The road, which includes a new bridge over the North Cotswold railway line, opened in September 2022 and provides a link between the A44/B4083 and B4083 Wyre Road roundabouts north of Pershore.

Councillors and officers from Worcestershire County Council were joined at a formal opening event on Friday 25 November by representatives from Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Jacobs, Harriett Baldwin MP, and other local interested stakeholders.

20 September 2022

The road, which includes a new bridge over the North Cotswold railway line, opened in September 2022 and provides a link between the A44/B4083 and B4083 Wyre Road roundabouts north of Pershore.

Councillors and officers from Worcestershire County Council were joined at a formal opening event on Friday 25 November by representatives from Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Jacobs, Harriett Baldwin MP, and other local interested stakeholders.

12 July 2022

Works to make walking and cycling improvements on Wyre Road in Pershore are now complete.

The works, which have been delivered by Worcestershire County Council to make improvements to the cycling and walking provision in the area, include the construction of a cycle/foot new path from Wyre Road roundabout to Station Road on the northern side of Wyre Road, the installation of a new kerb line, improvements to drainage and additional streetlighting.

The cycle and foot path will provide a link between Station Road and the new Pershore Northern Link Road, at which works continue ahead of completion this summer.

1 June 2022

Major improvement works in the Pershore area have taken a big step forward over recent weeks, with the installation of a new bridge crossing over the railway.

The works, which are taking place as part of Worcestershire County Council’s scheme to construct the Pershore Northern Link Road, have taken place under a number of closures of the railway line, to install the new bridge beams and construct the bridge deck.

Over the coming weeks, works will continue on the new bridge and resurfacing works are set to get underway in mid-June.

Once complete, the new Pershore Northern Link Road will provide a link between the A44/B4083 and B4083 Wyre Road roundabouts north of Pershore.

22 February 2022

A new bridge crossing over the railway is being installed, as part of major improvements to the road network in the Pershore area.

The works will start on Monday 28th February to install the new bridge, as part of Worcestershire County Council’s scheme to construct the Pershore Northern Link Road.

Initial works will see 12 beams delivered and lifted into place, across the railway line, over three consecutive nights. Once the beams are in place, works can take place to install the bridge deck.

To allow the bridge beam installation works to progress, there will be three-way traffic signals in place on the A44 roundabout, on each night from 8pm until 5am.

Works are subject to change if weather conditions are not suitable to carry out the installation.

The process of installing the bridge will be captured on a time-lapse camera and the footage will be made available once the works are complete.

10 February 2022

Works on a major scheme to make improvements in the Pershore area are progressing well, with a new railway bridge being installed in the coming months.

Works being delivered by Worcestershire County Council, are currently taking place on Wyre Road, to make improvements to the cycling and walking provision. 

The works include a new cycle/footway on the northern side, the installation of a new kerb line, enhanced drainage and additional streetlighting. 

The first 200 metres of the works from the Wyre Road Roundabout have been completed and works are continuing at pace on the remainder of the improvements.

Works are also taking place on the new Pershore Northern Link Road, which will provide a link from Wyre Road to the A44, including a new bridge over the railway line. 

Works on the 8 metre high reinforced embankment walls north and south of the railway line are nearing completion, with the focus now shifting towards the installation of the new railway bridge.

12 October 2021

Works are currently taking place on Wyre Road, to make improvements to the cycling and walking provision. These works have recently focused on clearing the site of existing vegetation and drainage, including the retention pond.

Works are also taking place on the new Pershore Northern Link Road, and if you’ve been past the site recently you will have noticed the changing landscape. Piles have been sunk into bedrock and the new columns have now been installed north and south of the rail track for the new railway bridge. The majority of the drainage has been installed and foundations laid for the 8 metre high retention wall to the south.

To allow the works on Wyre Road to progress, the road will need to be closed to vehicles from 8am on Monday 25th October to 5pm on Friday 29th October. This closure will enable essential works to take place on the new cycle/footway at the junction of Wyre Road and Station Road. The closure will also allow works to take place where carriageway works are needed outside of what we can do under temporary lights.

25 June 2021

Further works are set to get underway next month, as part of the scheme to make major improvements in the Pershore area.

Works being delivered by Worcestershire County Council, will start on Wyre Road, to make improvements to the cycling and walking provision. The works start on Monday 5th July and will include the addition of a cycle/footway from Wyre Road roundabout to Station Road on the northern side of Wyre Road, the installation of a new kerb line, improvements to drainage and enhanced street lighting.

These works are part of the wider Pershore Infrastructure Improvements Scheme, which aims to reduce congestion, improve traffic links and enhance cycling and walking routes, in and around the Pershore area.

As part of this scheme, works have recently started on the Pershore Northern Link Road, which will provide a link from Wyre Road to the A44, including a new bridge over the railway line.

16 February 2021

The major improvements taking place to reduce congestion and improve traffic links in and around Pershore continue to progress well.

Last year, works focused on the reconfiguration of Pinvin Junction, which included works to introduce a new slip road from Pinvin Main Street to the A44 to move some traffic away from the main crossroads, widen the approaches to the junction to increase capacity and add new footways to improve cycling and walking links.

As these works are almost complete, the focus has now shifted to the installation of the Pershore Northern Link Road, where the site compound is being set up and the site is being prepared for this part of the scheme to begin.

Advanced works are also set to get underway this month, ahead of works that will take place later this year on Wyre Road to introduce additional walking and cycling facilities.

These works will take place from week commencing 22nd February and will include vegetation removal, to allow for the wider shared use foot/cycleway to be installed.

2 November 2020

The night closures (8pm - 6am) to allow for surfacing works at Pinvin Junction will now take place from Monday 9th November, for up to four nights.

Diversions will be in place during these times.

26 October 2020

The night closures set to start tonight at Pinvin Junction have been postponed due to an inclement weather forecast.

We will update this page as soon as we know when these closures will take place.

20 October 2020 New look Pinvin Junction

The final look and feel of the new and improved Pinvin Junction can now be seen, with works progressing well on the scheme. 

Works have recently focussed on the extension of the A44 north-west of the junction to accommodate an additional right-hand turn. Works have also taken place on the kerbing and installation of a new footpath on the south-east side of the A44 towards White Logistics.

To allow surfacing works to take place, there are some planned night closures on the A44, Terrace Road and Main Street at the end of this month. Closures will be in place from Monday 26th October for up to four nights, from 8pm until 6am. During the day, the junction will operate as it is now, under temporary traffic lights. Diversions will be in place during the closures.

29 June 2020 Terrace Road closure

Works are currently underway on the extension of the A44 north-west of the junction to accommodate additional right-hand turn capacity. Works are also taking place on the kerbing and installation of a new footpath on the south-east side of the A44 towards White Logistics.

To allow some of the works to progress, a road closure is needed to complete the ducting and kerbing of Terrace Road.

This work cannot be done under temporary lights due to the width restrictions on the A4104 and access requirements for residents.

The closure between the Junction of the A4104/A44 for 100m of Terrace Road towards the Railway Station, will be from Saturday 8 until Sunday 23 August.

Diversions will be in place during this closure.

22 May 2020

Please be aware that Openreach and Seven Trent Water require the closure of Terrace Road between the Junction of the A4104/A44 for 100m of Terrace Road towards the Railway Station, from Saturday 23rd until Sunday 31st May to work on utility diversions. As with the other closures, diversions will be in place during this closure. Residents living in Terrace Road will be able to access the road and park as usual during the closure period. Pedestrian routes will also be maintained keeping pedestrians at a safe distance from the workforce.

Please note that the work programme may be subject to change and residents may be asked to park on the other side of the road during some of the days.

21 January 2020 Improvement works at Pinvin Junction set to take another step forward

The scheme to improve traffic flow at Pinvin Junction in Pershore is progressing well. So far, works have focused on the installation of the new slip road and allowing for the rerouting of utilities including Severn Trent Water and Openreach. The next phase of the works will involve carriageway widening of the A44.

Works at the junction are part of Worcestershire County Council’s wider Pershore Infrastructure Improvements Scheme, which aims to tackle congestion in and around the Pershore area.

2 October 2019 Pinvin Junction improvements set to get underway

The scheme to tackle congestion and improve traffic flows in the Pershore area will start this month.

Works at Pinvin Junction will start during week commencing 14th October and are part of the wider Pershore Infrastructure Improvement Scheme - a programme of works aimed at improving traffic links and reducing congestion in and around Pershore.

Initial works near the junction will include the setting-up of the site compound and the site boundaries. Works will then move on to the installation of a new slip road from Pinvin Main Street to the A44 and widening works on the approaches to the junction.

Some of these essential works will be completed under temporary traffic signals and lane closures, with full closures needed overnight towards the end of the scheme to complete re-surfacing work. Diversions will be in place during any closures.

To allow the works to progress, a road closure will be in place on Terrace Road from Friday 25th October until Sunday 3rd November. This is to enable BT Open Reach to carry out a major utility diversion needed due to changes in the junction layout.

9 July 2019 Pershore Northern Link Road given the green light

Works to improve traffic links and tackle congestion in and around Pershore took another step forward today as planning for the Pershore Northern Link Road has been given the go-ahead.

The major scheme, which will be delivered by Worcestershire County Council, will see the construction of a new highway and road bridge. This will provide a link between the A44/B4083 and B4083 Wyre Road roundabouts north of Pershore.

Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy and Infrastructure, said: "This is an important project for the Pershore area and it is great news that planning has been granted.

“The new link road will help to ease congestion and provide better links for public and local businesses.

“This project provides further evidence of the council’s commitment to relieving congestion and improving connectivity across the county.”

These works are part of the wider Pershore Infrastructure Improvement Scheme, aimed at upgrading links between Pershore Town Centre and the A44 to address the issue of congestion and improve access. This scheme also includes work on improvements at Pinvin Junction, which are due to commence in the autumn.

Bradley Thomas, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “The construction of a Northern Link Road is a significant step forward to alleviate congestion in Pershore. We are delighted to be supporting this project which is long-overdue for the town and we are looking forward to work starting as soon as possible.”

The new link road will also create a direct connection between Pershore Trading Estate, Keytec 7 Business Park, Keytec East Business Park and the A44. It will run from the A44/B4083 roundabout north of the railway line to the B4083 roundabout south of the railway line.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We’ve invested in improvements to Pershore Northern Link Road to support the growth of Worcestershire’s economy, by tackling existing congestion and journey time reliability. 

“Investment in this important road will not only help to boost business productivity and strengthen the county’s reputation for connectivity but will also open up access to future employment and housing land.”

26 March 2019

The county's Planning and Regulatory Committee considered and approved an application for highway improvements at Pinvin Junction in Pershore on 26 March 2019.
The application was successful and included planned improvements to the A44 Pinvin Crossroads junction for which work is anticipated to begin in the Autumn of 2019.

These works, which are part of a wider Pershore Infrastructure Improvement scheme, will complement the proposed delivery of the Pershore Northern Link Road which will be discussed separately at a planning committee meeting later this year.

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