Road delays as £24m project begins

Commuters on one of Sandwell's busiest roads were facing more traffic misery from today as work got underway on a £24 million new underpass.

Drivers were warned to expect severe delays from the roadworks in a mile-long stretch of the A41 Expressway.

Construction of the underpass in West Bromwich at the junction of the Expressway, A4031 All Saints Way and the Cronehills Linkway West starts in earnest next year.

But preparatory work to move high voltage electricity cables began yesterday.

Vehicles were bumper to bumper this morning, with temporary traffic lights and lane closures in place for the next four weeks.

It means more traffic chaos for drivers, with delays already hitting journeys across the borough while work takes place on the Burnt Tree island improvement project.

Leisure

Sandwell roads chief Councillor Mahboob Hussain asked motorists to remain patient during the roadworks on the A41.

"Once the work is completed it will help the traffic to flow a lot more easily," he said.

"In the short term there will be some inconvenience, but in the long term the benefits will be worthwhile."

The road scheme for the busy dual carriageway will involve building an underpass at the fire station island in order to ease traffic flow from the M5 junction.

Tesco is paying for around 10 per cent of the costs for the congestion-busting scheme aimed at easing traffic on the junction, as part of a deal to build a new supermarket and £200 leisure and retail development in the town centre.

Drivers on their way to West Bromwich Albion matches, the Sandwell Bonfire and Fireworks at Dartmouth Park on November 5 or travelling to town centre car parks are being advised to allow extra time.

By Chris Moriarty