Measures in place ahead of bridge work

Buy photos » Abbey Bridge and Viaduct is being replaced. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2212023MMR

A PACKAGE of measures to keep Evesham moving when Abbey Bridge shuts for repair work next summer has been unveiled.

Transport chiefs at Worcestershire County Council said they will make sure alternative routes around the town are advertised on all major roads including the A46 and M5 for the entire 12-month scheme which gets underway in October.

The county council has also joined forces with Wychavon District Council and Evesham Market Town Partnership to pump £200,000 into Evesham's economy to promote the town centre and its attractions as well as supporting traders and businesses.

As part of this car park prices will be slashed during the ten-week full closure of the bridge next June, July and August and there will also be publicity campaigns promoting alternative transport options such as walking, cycling and rail links to the town centre.

The route vehicles will take around the town centre when the bridge is closed to traffic has also been decided following a six-week consultation.

The changes will see Mill Street, which currently has a one-way system, become a two-way road from its junction with Oat Street and the installation of temporary traffic lights.

Peter Blake, Worcestershire County Council's head of integrated transport, said: "Without this vital replacement work, closure of the link over the next few years would be necessary causing the town centre to be isolated in the long-term."

"This package of measures aiming to support Evesham during this important project aims to cut disruption as much as possible throughout the entire 12-month scheme - not just for the 10-week essential closure taking place next summer.

"Again, I'd like to thank everyone that took the time to take part in the consultation earlier this year. All views put forward during the exercise were considered and over the last few months we've been investigating alternative suggestions to see if they held more benefits or could be possibly be incorporated into another plan.

"Unfortunately, not one single option holds a magic answer but we think what's planned, and supported by the majority of people in the area, holds the best solution to reducing congestion as much as is possible.

"People in the area can certainly play a big part in supporting the town during this major project and we'd encourage everyone to think about their travel plans now, well in advance of the work starting later this year."

The year-long project which is costing around £12million will see a link across the river for pedestrians and cyclists remain open at all times and all other vehicles able to cross it until the full ten-week closure.

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