Drivers were today asked to be patient as yet another set of roadworks hit a Black Country borough.

Sandwell’s transport chief Councillor Bob Badham apologised for the disruption at the busy Carters Green roundabout in West Bromwich but said that the work was vital.

A £100,000 roadworks scheme got under way at the roundabout yesterday. Drivers in the area are also battling with lane closures and temporary traffic lights on the nearby A41 Expressway and roadworks at the Burnt Tree island on the border with Dudley.

Councillor Badham said today: “We are very fortunate to get the funding for all these projects. These transport projects are important for the regeneration of Sandwell. But unfortunately they do cause hold-ups and we apologise to the public at this time.”

The general improvement work on the Carters Green island, changing its layout and improving the surface is set to last until January. Rush-hour traffic has been bumper to bumper as a result of the new roadworks, which tie in with the £22.5 million underpass project along the A41 Expressway.

The construction of the multi-million pound underpass at the junction of West Bromwich Expressway, A4031 All Saints Way and the Cronehills Linkway is scheduled to begin early next year.

The planned road scheme for the busy dual carriageway will involve building an underpass at the fire station island.

Meanwhile, the scheme coincides with work on a controversial red route stretching from All Saints Way in West Bromwich to Newton Road in Great Barr, set to be introduced in the New Year.