WORK to install superfast broadband has led to three-way temporary traffic lights but no workers were in sight as drivers faced delays.

Three-way temporary traffic lights are in place at the junction of Dugdale Drive and Cartwright Avenue, Warndon Villages, Worcester, after the road was dug up by CityFibre.

Worcester News: RADICAL: The road had been dug up at the junction of Dugdale Drive and Cartwright Avenue in Warndon Villages with three way temporary traffic lights in place RADICAL: The road had been dug up at the junction of Dugdale Drive and Cartwright Avenue in Warndon Villages with three way temporary traffic lights in place (Image: Newsquest)

However, a resident said there appeared to be no workers on site on Monday morning as the lights caused some delays for drivers - although a CityFibre spokesperson said workmen 'were on site today to re-erect fallen barriers and ensure site safety while further re-instatement works take place this week'.

The resident said: "I drove along Cartwright Avenue a couple of times, joining Dugdale Drive and I could not see any workmen throughout Wednesday morning. Some of the plastic barriers had been knocked over, possibly by the strong winds from Storm Jocelyn. Inside were sections of the road that had been dug up.

"It looks like they have dug a channel in the ground as you enter Cartwright Avenue.

Worcester News: DELAYS: Drivers in Dugdale Drive in Warndon Villages faced delays at the three way lights for CityFibre work though nobody was on site on Wednesday morning (24/1/24)DELAYS: Drivers in Dugdale Drive in Warndon Villages faced delays at the three way lights for CityFibre work though nobody was on site on Wednesday morning (24/1/24) (Image: Newsquest)

"Traffic was queueing and drivers were facing delays despite there not being a workman in sight. I appreciate the advantages of fast broadband as much as the next man so fingers crossed they will be back on site soon to finish the job." 

The work started on Tuesday and is due to finish tomorrow. 

CityFibre said workmen were on site today 'to re-erect fallen barriers and ensure site safety while further re-instatement works take place this week'.

Neil Madle, CityFibre’s Partnership Manager for Worcester, said: “CityFibre is transforming Worcester’s digital infrastructure to bring next-generation full fibre connectivity to homes and businesses across the city. This is a major undertaking, which is why we are working closely with our build partner, relevant authorities and highways teams to ensure all works are delivered as efficiently as possible.

"We can confirm that traffic restrictions are in place in Warndon Villages, while vital re-instatement works take place. These will be removed by the end of the week. Recent high winds have also caused some barriers to be blown over, but we can assure all road users that these have been righted earlier today with additional measures taken to limit the impact of bad weather on our sites.

“We’d like to thank residents and commuters for their patience during any recent delays they may have encountered.”

As we reported last year, a £21m city-wide project designed to bring the rollout of superfast internet to homes across Worcester has been underway. 

CityFibre has said previously the technology uses full fibre networks (100 per cent fibre optics) to carry data at high speed (up to 1,000 Mbps) and offers 'near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on'.