WORK is taking place on schemes to improve walking and cycling routes in Bromsgrove.

They are being brought in before a large road scheme to improve the A38 for traffic between Lydiate Ash and Hanbury Turn.

Two walking and cycling schemes are taking place this month.

A new Toucan Crossing is being installed on the A448 Stratford Road, adjacent to Blackwood Road and Fordhouse Road, and a segregated footway/cycleway is being created between Harvington Road and Charford Lane.

Then in March the third scheme involves an upgrade to the northern footpath on Charford Road between the A38 and South Bromsgrove School and the installation of a new Toucan Crossing.

All three schemes will link in to other schemes to enhance the walking and cycling network in the town.

The works on the segregated footway/cycleway between Harvington Road and Charford Lane involve some vegetation clearance and the closure of existing path.

Traffic management is needed on the A448 Stratford Road, but arrangements have been made not to restrict access to the Artrix Covid-19 Vaccination Centre.

The work is being funded by the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP) and is set for completion in the summer.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of WLEP, said: “This work on the A38 corridor is vital to helping improve active travel across the county, providing congestion-easing benefits for businesses, commuters and visitors alike.

A bid for £42 million has been put in for government funds for the A38 road improvement scheme.