Express & Star

Accident-hit route in Walsall is to be narrowed

One of the busiest routes through the Black Country is being revamped with a narrowed carriageway and improved roundabouts following a series of accidents, it was announced today.

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More than £120,000 is being ploughed into safety improvements along Broadway North in Walsall, which is used by thousands of motorists a day. However drivers were today warned the changes, particularly the narrowing of the road, could increase congestion.

Work on new road markings, which will see a wider central reservation and better lane directions, is due to be fully completed by the middle of this month.

Pedestrian crossing points are also being added near Lincoln Road.

Further improvements, including at the Sutton Road and Crescent roundabouts, are planned in the New Year and expected to take six weeks.

There has been a series of accidents at the junction with Sutton Road and the heavily-damaged pedestrian guard outside the United Reformed Church will be replaced.

The work includes the installation of containment kerbs, which are higher than usual and shaped to cause any vehicles that hits them to rebound back.

Walsall Council said action has been taken following safety concerns from residents and businesses.

Work is being funded through the Local Transport Plan.

Although reducing the width of the carriageway could cause more congestion at peak periods Councillor Rose Martin, who has led calls for improvements, has backed the work.

She said: "It could effect the traffic flow but you need to weigh up the safety aspect because of the amount of accidents that have been occurring."

Transport chief Councillor Tom Ansell said: "We have been in regular contact with residents and businesses in the Broadway area and have taken on board their concerns.

"Broadway is a busy route and people have struggled to get across the road."

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