CHRONIC congestion on the A46 through Evesham was brought to the attention of the Government in one of the final parliamentary sessions before MPs took their summer break.
Vale MP Nigel Huddleston pushed Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary James Brokenshire on the progress of any improvements to the A46, a key roads in Worcestershire which is being targeted for improvements as part of the Government’s Midlands Engine strategy.
Mr Huddleston said the major route was a ‘key artery’ in the local area and asked if discussions had taken place regarding the A46 with the Department for Transport.
In response, Mr Brokenshire confirmed early discussions had taken place regarding the road, which had found that improvements could create 700,000 local jobs.
After leaving the chamber, Mr Huddleston said, “It’s really important the Government recognise the importance of roads which act as transport corridors across counties like Worcestershire and I am encouraged by the Secretary of State’s answer about the A46.
“An improved A46 with less traffic and a greater capacity not only means more jobs, it also means greater productivity for people already in work who can travel more quickly and it means a better quality of life for the thousands of people who use it every week to visit friends and local attractions.
“Road transport has been a difficult subject in recent years, with there undeniably being recent problems with traffic levels on major roads and around towns like Evesham.
“I am optimistic, however, things are moving in the right direction. The completion of works on the M5 will have a massive impact, the new County Council transport plan should alleviate local traffic and the Government recognition of the importance of the A46 only adds to the impression that things are set to improve,” he added.
