New Road resurfacing still not done

Drivers in the Black Country face more misery when the next leg of a £2.1million resurfacing project is carried out on New Birmingham Road.

Work between Newbury Lane, Oldbury, and Burnt Tree Island was completed on Friday. Repairs will now start on the southbound carriageway.

The A4123 is one of the busiest roads in the region for commuters travelling to and from Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

Sandwell Council is carrying out the works and reckons lane closures will be in operation during off-peak times only. But junctions will have to be closed altogether, some for days at a time.

The council has recently taken over responsibility for the road from the Highways Agency following three years of negotiations over cash for repairs.

Cabinet member Councillor Mahboob Hussain said: "We have received a £2.1million package from the Highways Agency to bring it up to a good standard. Resurfacing work is being carried out at various sections.

"After Christmas, we will be working on the southbound carriageway between Burnt Tree Island and Newbury Lane and then moving on to the Wolverhampton Road section between Birchley Island and Hagley Road West.

"This road has been in a terrible condition for years. We have to sort things out for the safety of those using it."