A SECTION of Avon Street in Evesham is to be made one-way for a trial period.

This will run from the High Street traffic signals towards the west as far as the junction of Avon Street with Brick Kiln Street. 

By removing the Avon Street signal phase, Worcestershire County Council says the junction will be simplified and will allow more time on green for the High Street north/south traffic, which should thus reduce congestion.

The trial period will follow a temporary full road closure on Sunday, May 24, where traffic management barriers to narrow the road will be installed.

The trial is planned for a minimum of six months and will help to determine the effects on the wider highway network, by monitoring traffic flows, incidents, etc.

Any monitoring compiled during the current lockdown situation, where traffic levels have been greatly reduced, will not be used as part of the trial.

The trial is part of the county council’s transport strategy for the town as it moves into its next phase. 

Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: “I am delighted that the transport strategy in Evesham is moving forward into its second phase.

"Congestion has been a real issue for the residents of Evesham for a long while now, and I’m really pleased that the trial period is going ahead. I’d encourage residents to share their thoughts with the Council on this, so that we can create a strategy to keep the traffic moving more freely.”

At the end of the trial, a decision will be made to either make this one-way scheme permanent, modify it or revert to the current two-way system.

If the changes were to be made permanent, longer term benefits of a wider southern footway along Avon Street, leading to a shorter distance for pedestrians crossing it at the signals could be assessed.

Residents can give their views by emailing the major projects team at majorprojects@worcestershire.gov.uk.

For more information, go to worcestershire.gov.uk/evesham