HIGHWAYS chiefs have promised to try and keep winter traffic delays on the A49 at Leominster to a minimum as construction activity is stepped up on a £5 million new road scheme.

The major project - to 'open up' the fledgling £20 million Leominster Enterprise Park - involves re-siting the roundabout junction of the A49/A44, building an industrial link road and a new bridge over the railway.

The contractors, Mowlem, say lorry-loads of materials are now being brought in for the new road resulting in an increase in construction traffic.

Temporary (30mph) speed restrictions are being introduced and temporary traffic lights are likely to be operating at two locations at various times over the winter.

Mairead Lane, senior project engineer with Herefordshire Council, said work would stop for two weeks over the Christmas period and delays over the festive period would be avoided.

The greater upheaval would come in the New Year when work gets underway on the new roundabout, she said.

Progress

"We will be making every effort to minimise traffic delays and will keep motorists fully informed through special newsletters and the local media," said Ms Lane.

Site preparations on the 52-week contract began in mid-September. Good progress was made over the weeks of perfect weather and ground conditions before the recent change in the weather.

The project is 'on target' for completion in August 2004.

A spokesman for regional development agency Advantage West Midlands said the new road was the "key" to opening up the 29 acre enterprise park for incoming industries.

He said firms were showing huge interest in moving to Leominster. "There are 20 companies interested in 12 plots so far, so we are pleased with the way things are going.

"It's all looking quite healthy and the whole project will really take off when the new road is completed."

The road will also provided better access for the existing Southern Avenue industrial estate and a new 'gateway' to Leominster town centre.