The programme is predominantly being funded by the Government via the Department for Transport with some local contributions e.g. from developers (through section 106) who are required to contribute to improve infrastructure to accommodate any increased traffic that may arise from their development.

BREP was promoted by Worcestershire County Council (WCC) and, following a rigorous business case review, it was approved by the Government’s Department for Transport.

An engagement exercise was carried out on all phases seeking feedback from residents in 2020. The exercise was promoted across multiple communication channels and over 1500 people attended exhibitions held along the BREP route, offering opportunities to review the maps of the 12 proposed schemes and discuss them in more detail with officers. 

Feedback from the engagement exercise was used to develop the design proposals and progress the funding bid and business case. Additional engagement was undertaken in 2021 on two new schemes:

• 1 - a shared-use cycle/footway between Oakalls Roundabout and Birmingham Road - now in Phase 4
• 6 - predominantly entailing widening the footway on Regents Park Road

Later that year engagement was undertaken for schemes 3 and 5 (footbridges over A38) to support the associated planning application. These schemes were paused in late 2021, due to changes in national guidance for infrastructure. Following this, engagement was undertaken in summer 2022 on a new scheme 3 alternative:

• an Active Travel Corridor between the Rail Station and Town

and scheme 9:

• traffic calming to support active travel on Harvington Road and Bant Mill Road

Throughout this period plans showing the latest scheme designs have been available on the WCC website, with key project updates shared on WCC social media sites with associated press releases, for example when the Full Business Case for the scheme was submitted in March 2023 and when work started on site in 2024.

Changes to BREP

A number of changes have been made to BREP as a result of feedback from respondents. This has included the removal of a proposed new footbridge from the programme; changes to proposed traffic calming measures and changes to proposed Traffic Regulation Orders including the re-introduction of right-turn into School Drive for easier access to destinations such as North Bromsgrove High School and the leisure centre.

Tree removal

Please see, Why do we need to remove trees to deliver BREP? for full information about the removal of trees required to deliver A38 BREP. In summary, tree removal is kept to the minimum required to deliver the works.

The correct procedures have been followed with tree works carried out under the supervision of a suitably qualified and experienced ecologist.

Poplar tree on Stratford Road

It is proposed that the Poplar in Stratford Road is removed because it will prohibit the construction works taking place and the new works (including the provision of kerbs) would damage the tree and make it unsafe. Additionally, it is considered to be a hazard to motorists as it is so close to the carriageway. Although it is regrettable that the tree is scheduled for removal, it is noted that the tree is not subject to a Tree Preservation Order. Although there is no legal duty to do so, a public consultation exercise is being carried out before a final decision is made.

One-way system on Drummond Road

It was originally proposed to provide a shared-use pedestrian and cyclist bridge over the A38 connecting the severed ends of Old Station Road to improve links between the railway station and town. 

When it was decided to remove the bridge from the programme, it was replaced with an “Active Travel Corridor” (ATC) for pedestrians and cyclists on an alternative alignment via Drummond Road. The route will provide various crossing points along Drummond Road with shorter crossing length, improving safety for pedestrians and school children. 

A public consultation was carried out on the ATC in 2022 during which some concerns were raised about the one-way proposal. WCC is currently in the process of reviewing feedback from the consultation exercise and this is one of the proposals that will be carefully reconsidered.

Impact on road users

WCC is not allowed to restrict lanes, close roads or introduce temporary speed limits or temporary traffic signals (referred to as 'Traffic Management' or 'TM') without approval from the Streetworks Team who have an overview of the highway network. 

TM is kept to a minimum and only used where it is required to protect road/path users and the workforce. Lane narrowing is preferred to temporary signals which in turn are preferred to full closures wherever possible. TM is removed at peak times and weekends provided it is safe and efficient to do so.

Due to the temporary speed being reduced to 30mph with street lighting present along this route, there is a legal prohibition from providing standard repeater signs. However, variable message signs (VMS) are displayed on site.

Monitoring noise and air quality

A monitoring and evaluation plan has been developed which includes monitoring noise and air quality. Every effort has been made to ensure that there is little if any impact caused by the scheme in terms of noise and air quality.

Cycle lanes and shared-use pathways

Opportunities to support those who wish to walk or cycle are currently restricted due to actual and perceived severance caused by the A38, impacting on local trips and those to and from Bromsgrove Rail Station. Walking and cycling improvements included in the programme address severance issues by providing better facilities along, across and adjacent to the A38, building on schemes being delivered across Bromsgrove in other programmes. These schemes will improve safety and security for non-motorised users crossing the A38 and in the surrounding area.