WORKS to make improvements to Evesham town centre have taken a major step forward with traffic management in the area being removed ahead of schedule.
Over recent weeks, works had been taking place on Port Street under a one way closure to eastbound traffic, with a diversion in place. This has been lifted and the road is now fully open to all traffic.
Works on the scheme being carried out by Worcestershire County Council, have recently focussed on the reconstruction of the footways on Port Street up to the junction with Church Street.
Significant improvements have also been completed on the open space outside the former Talbot Pub, which are intended to not only to improve the aesthetics but to enhance safety for all users with the introduction of a new loading bay and safer walking route.
Coun Alan Amos, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “These works have continued at pace over the past few weeks and it’s great that we’ve been able to open the road back up to traffic, well ahead of schedule.
“These works to make the area more attractive for businesses, residents and visitors and introduce a safer and more efficient junction are now very close to completion.
“I’d like to thank the local residents and businesses for their patience and support during the closures and restrictions in the area. It’s not been easy, but it’s pleasing to see that some of the local businesses have taken the opportunity to carry out some external improvements during these works.”
Over the coming weeks, some finishing touches will be made to the works, including the installation of the tree pit surrounds and upgrades to the street lighting near the former Talbot Pub.
The works are being carried out as part of the Council’s Town Centre Improvement Programme and include the repaving of the footways on Port Street, the reconfiguration of the area outside the former Talbot Pub, updating traffic signals on the Waterside/Port Street junction, a new controlled pedestrian crossing across Waterside, the upgrade of traffic signals on Port Street and enhanced street lighting.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/portstreet for more
