THE final design for improvement works to Kidderminster's Hoobrook Island are due for completion in October.

Worcestershire County Council is in the final stages of planning improvements to the road, including adding traffic signals and widening the approaches for the A449 and A442.

The circulatory lanes on the island itself will also be increased with the aim of improving journey times and reducing congestion by increasing the capacity and flow of traffic onto the island.

Councillor Alan Amos, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member with responsibility for Highways, said: "The planned improvements to Hoobrook Island will make a big difference to congestion in the area, by improving traffic flow on the island.

“Congestion is a priority for the county council because we know it’s important for the county’s residents.

“This scheme to make improvements to the island is part of a wider package announced in this year’s council budget to deliver bigger, better schemes to relieve congestion across the county.”

The final design for the works is due to be completed in October, with a plan to start the works later this year.

The wider package of works to improve congestion across the county includes schemes in Bromsgrove town centre, Evesham town centre and on the A38/A4104 staggered junction in Upton-upon-Severn.