Busy junction near M6 could have lanes cut

A busy junction off the M6 could have its number of lanes cut from three to two after 13 accidents in two years.

The circular layout underneath junction nine at Wednesbury is believed to be too confusing for motorists.

Tens of thousands of drivers use the junction every day as it is the main gateway for Ikea and Gallagher Retail Park. And as the number of shops on the business park has increased in the last year, with the likes of Lipsy, Starbucks, Outfit, Boots and TK Maxx arriving, it is busier than ever.

A £170,000 package of improvements, which include remarking the lanes to form just two around the junction, along with better pedestrian and cyclist routes have been suggested by chiefs at Walsall Council.

There have also been 13 accidents at the junction, which runs underneath junction nine of the M6 and has slip roads to both the northbound and southbound carriageways, in two years.

It is also used by drivers heading between Walsall and Wednesbury and remarking the road as two lanes would make it easier for motorists to know which lane to use.

The proposals come after it emerged last week that an £800,000 scheme to remodel junction 10 was also being considered by the council.

Highways bosses today confirmed the junction nine scheme between Bescot Road and Wood Green Road has been looked at. But admitted funding would need to be secured.

Steve Pretty, head of engineering and transportation said: "Many sites are reviewed on safety grounds and with history of accidents taken in to account. This is one of those that is aimed at improving safety and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

"This is simply an identified local safety scheme for proposed improvements to M6 junction nine but currently as detailed in cabinet papers it is on the reserved list of schemes such that it can be prioritised if funding becomes available." The council has earmarked £85,000 towards assessing the feasibility of the junction 10 improvements.