Improvement work to A49 Starting Gate junction in Hereford

[Colin James]

HIGHWAYS AGENCY News Release issued 14 November 2013

The A49/A4103 Starting Gate junction in Hereford will undergo improvement work next week thanks to a Highways Agency scheme.

Work to widen the A4103 westbound approach will begin on Monday 18 November and subject to weather conditions, will last for four weeks.

The scheme will increase capacity at this busy junction by creating a two lane approach to the roundabout. Other work will include resurfacing, new road markings, realignment of the roundabout and its four arms and new signage installation.

The work will take place overnight from Mondays to Fridays between 10.15pm and 6.30am. In addition, some overnight work could also take place during the weekends and will be clearly signed with diversions in place.

The scheme is part of a £317 million pinch point improvement programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network in England. The programme is part of the UK Government’s growth initiative, outlined during the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in November 2011.

The pinch point programme provides smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters to help boost local economies and drive economic growth.

Kevin Harvey, Pinch Point Project Manager, said:

“The A49 Starting Gate roundabout gets very busy so I am sure motorists will welcome this work, to increase capacity and improve traffic flow.

“While the work is ongoing, diversions will be in place and clearly signed.

“We advise drivers to check local conditions and leave extra time for their journeys if necessary.”

During the course of the work, traffic on the A4103 will be diverted to the A438 Newmarket Street junction via the A645 Aylestone Hill Road, joining the A49 northbound. As the work progresses, this diversion route will change and motorists using the A4103 will be directed to the A4110 and then the A438 White Cross Road to its junction with Victoria Street, where motorists can then continue to the A49 northbound. The same routes will apply for traffic travelling in the reverse direction.

As the scheme nears its end, further diversions will be in place and clearly signed.

More information about the work is available form the Highways Agency Information Line on telephone number 0300 123 5000 or by email to: ha_​info@​highways.​gsi.​gov.​uk.

[H.Wilson]

So this is for traffic approaching the Starting Gate roundabout from the Worcester Road yes? How will they squeeze another lane in there?

[Biomech]

Cut into the left side where that tight mini junction is I imagine.
Still, it will be interesting to hear what happens - personally I don't go that side of town unless I absolutely have to