DRIVERS are braced for more delays as a major series of roadworks between Worcester and Hartlebury gets underway.

The two-week surface dressing programme on the A449 will get underway this evening on the northbound stretch of the road between the Blackpole turning and the Claines roundabout.

The work will be carried out overnight and will result in one lane being closed off at a time, with a convoy system in operation.

After each stretch has been surface dressed lane closures will remain for three to four days.

Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways Cllr John Smith said it was believed the work would avoid the need for expensive repairs to the road’s service for up to ten years.

"The surface dressing itself is being carried out at night and in sections to minimise disruption to traffic,” he said. “We would ask drivers to respect the temporary 20mph limit after the work has been carried out.

"While we recognise that roadworks can be frustrating, we would like to thank motorists in advance for their patience.

“There is never an ideal time to carry out work like this on such a key route but it is essential that we get it completed to improve things for everyone using the road in the long run."

Work on the southbound carriageway between Hadley and the Claines roundabout will begin tomorrow evening.