Work on the A4440 Worcester Southern Link Road improvement scheme is progressing well.With an investment of over £40 million to dual between Ketch and Whittington roundabouts, the programme is one of the biggest upgrades to road infrastructure in the county for many years.Contractors have now been given the go-ahead to begin dual-tracking the section of road between Norton and Whittington roundabouts, as well as completing the dualling between Norton Roundabout and the Ketch.This phase of work will include the creation of a dedicated left-hand turn from Whittington Road (from Junction 7 of the M5) and the removal of the current "give way" arrangement. Work to complete the entire dualling, including the installation of new railway and bridleway bridges, is due to commence in summer 2017 with a spring 2019 completion.Funding for the improvements comes from a number of sources, including £16.4 million from the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership as part of the Government’s Growth Deal and £16.3million provisionally allocated from the South Worcestershire Urban Extension development programme.Cllr Ken Pollock, cabinet member for economy, skills and infrastructure, said: "Schemes such as this are a crucial part of our Open for Business strategy. This next key milestone takes us a step closer to dualling one of the most important strategic transport routes in the county. By improving transport links and infrastructure, motorists will benefit from reduced congestion and travel times. This will also have a positive impact on boosting the local economy."Gary Woodman, chief executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Southern Link Road improvements are vital to the economic growth of our county and will support our local businesses to increase productivity, due to improved journey times, as well as provide benefits for visitors and residents. The improved links to the motorway network will also provide greater access to employment sites in South Worcestershire which will enable other companies to locate in the county and bring further jobs.”