DRIVERS into Worcester are being warned to expect traffic delays on Monday - with 10 days of roadworks kicking off down a key route.

The A449 at Ombersley will have a convoy system in place while a mammoth patching and resurfacing project takes place, sparking fears of traffic chaos.

Worcestershire County Council says the work, which will last day and night until Wednesday, March 4 is aimed at vastly improving the route's condition.

Highways workers will focus on both the northbound and southbound routes between Ombersley Bridge where it becomes a single carriageway at Hartlebury.

Motorists have been warned that it will lead to lane closures on either side, with the convoy system in place from 9.30am-3.30pn and then 7.30pm-6am.

People in the village, who say they were informed of the work by Ombersley Parish Council, say they are worried about serious delays.

Martin Rowe, 51, who lives off School Bank, said: "The road isn't the best anyway, it gets far more traffic than it used to and some of the drivers go at ridiculous speeds.

"If they worked through the night surely this could be finished in less time than this."

The council has called the project "essential" to keep the surface in safe condition and has urged drivers to consider alternative routes during the working hours.

It also says it decided to avoid peak times in a bid to reduce the hold-ups.

A spokesman said: "This is routine but essential maintenance work and drivers may wish to take alternative routes to avoid this part of the A449 while it is taking place.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

"There may be delays for motorists, but we are carrying out the work in sections and operating the convoy system outside of peak traffic times in order to minimise the impact as much as possible."

The A449 is also a key route for people in and around Worcester trying to reach Hartlebury and Kidderminster.