WEST WORCESTERSHIRE MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has called for formal investigations into the future of the A46 between Evesham and Tewkesbury as plans are developed for a new motorway junction at the M5.
The scheme proposes the development of a new Junction 9a south of Tewkesbury and the re-routing of the A46 around Ashchurch to the Teddington Hands roundabout to address long-standing traffic issues, enable housing development and employment opportunities.
Dame Harriett has already campaigned for more speed restrictions at busy junctions along the road at Hinton Cross and near to Long Carrant Park.
Following the beginning of a public engagement exercise on potential route options, she said worried residents had contacted her to share their concerns.
In response the MP said she has written to National Highways asking to see impact assessments of the new junction and projections for future traffic along the A46 over the next ten years.
Dame Harriett said: “The A46 has always been a challenging issue for local people and communities who live along the busy road regularly contact me about their concerns about using junctions to get to and from their homes.
“It is clear that with major new housing settlements planned for closer to the M5, a retail centre and a planned new junction, that the A46 is likely to become much busier soon. I’ve asked National Highways to share their projections as we plan for the future.
“With more traffic on this road, it could be much harder for people to join and cross the road, so I want to make sure National Highways is on top of this matter and ensure that the right speed restrictions are in place to mitigate any extra risks.
“I am hopeful that we will see additional warning signage at the Long Carrant Park soon and will continue to champion the concerns of local residents as a wider transport strategy is developed.”
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