“OH bliss, oh joy, yet more delays”.
This was how one Stratford motorist greeted the news the completion of Evesham Road’s new roundabout was experiencing a hold-up.
Work to construct a new four arm roundabout on the Evesham Road at the Luddington Road junction began in February. And with the competition date initially penciled in by Warwickshire County Council (WCC) as March 24 next year, drivers were already set to experience over a year of traffic jams and tail backs.
No road closures are scheduled to take place during the works but temporary traffic signals have been – and remain – in place.
Now, with a set back over the construction of a new concrete culvert to divert Shottery brook underneath the road, WCC has announced the completion date for the roundabout – aimed at providing access to a new link road to an 800-home development on the edge of Shottery – is now May 2023.
Motorists have been experiencing queues at the temporary traffic lights on the Evesham Road at peak times since the roadworks began but, as John Carnie from Ascott Close told the Observer, it only took an event at the town’s racecourse to further exacerbate the situation, as was the case at the weekend.
He said: “There was an event at the racecourse last weekend and the chaos with caravans and motorhomes trying to access Luddington Road was a sight to be seen. Now, oh bliss, oh joy, yet more delays”.
Mr Carnie also questioned why it was absolutely necessary for the traffic control to be there for the full contract.
He continued: “Currently, the Evesham bound lane only appears to be used for parking and material storage”.
A spokesperson for WCC apologised for the further inconvenience caused and thanked residents and road users for their continued support.
The spokesperson then went on to explain about the delay to the works.
They said: “As you are aware the works will include the removal of the existing Shottery Brook culvert beneath the Evesham Road and replacement with a new pre-cast concrete box culvert.
“An additional pre-cast concrete box culvert is also to be installed as part of a section of realignment of the Shottery Brook. This will include the installation of an underground cellular storage tank as part of the new highway drainage system.
“The S278 works are being carried out by Montel Civil Engineering Ltd and are being supervised by Warwickshire County Council and were due to be completed on 24 March 2023. Unfortunately, due to delays in the construction of the pre-cast concrete culvert for the re-aligned Shottery Brook the completion date has been delayed. A revised date is scheduled for May 2023. Weather permitting”.
