THE wait is nearly over for motorists to be able to fully use the new Southern Link Road.

Worcestershire County Council has announced a phased opening for the A4440 between the Ketch and Powick Roundabouts.

According to the council, the full stretch of the road, which has been under construction for a number of years, will be open "in the next few weeks".

Once work is finished, the road will be opened in phases to enable motorists to familiarise themselves with the new layout.

The phased opening will also provide an opportunity for the final safety inspections to be carried out, some of which have to be conducted under live traffic conditions.

The ongoing works include surfacing, signing and lining, completion of the pedestrian crossings and the reinstatement of the Ketch Viewpoint.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for economy, infrastructure and skills, said: “Once these surfacing, signing and lining works are carried out we will be in a position to start the phased opening of this section of the Southern Link Road, which will mean we have achieved our objective of dualling between junction 7 of the M5 and Powick Roundabout.

“During the phased opening, please ensure that you’re aware of the road layout, as there will be various changes throughout the process.

“Dualling the Southern Link Road was identified by residents and businesses as a top priority for the County Council and I am pleased to say that we will be meeting that objective very shortly.”

As well as the road improvements made as part of this scheme, three new bridges and an underpass for pedestrians and cyclists have been constructed, together with an improved shared-use path along Temeside Way.

Battenhall Railway Bridge has been extended, a farm access bridge has been replaced, two pedestrian crossings have been improved and street lighting has been upgraded, as well as a flood mitigation area having been provided that is already being used by wildlife

Once the road is fully open to traffic, there will still be the need to complete some works, such as tree planting, the reinstatement of the land and final works to the Severn Way.