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£30m Birchley Island scheme finally gets green light after funding secured

Work on a major revamp of a notorious Black Country roundabout if finally set to start after a £24 million funding boost.

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Birchley Island

Plans to cut traffic congestion at the Birchley Island in Oldbury have been in the pipeline for years but the scheme has never got off the ground due to a lack of finance.

But ministers have today signed off on £24m for the 30.1m project, describing it as a key element in the region's fight back from the pandemic.

Sandwell Council has come forward with the remaining cash, with work now expected to start in the coming weeks subject to final legal clearances.

The scheme will see the existing carriageway widened to increase capacity on the roundabout, which lies at the intersection of the M5, A4123 and A4034 and serves as a major gateway to the region.

Additional lanes will also be added to the junction to further reduce congestion, and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists will be enhanced in a bid to promote greener travel.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, said: "The scheme will not only reduce congestion and improve journey times for all road users, but will also provide greater access to employment opportunities as we build back better from the pandemic and level up the transport landscape across the country."

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, said investment in roads was "critical" as some car journeys remained "essential".

“Birchley Island has been notorious with Black Country residents for years due to the amount of congestion that builds up, and so I am delighted to have helped secure the funding we need from Government to finally give the roundabout a major overhaul," he said.

“From widening carriageways to increase capacity, to additional lanes to tackle congestion, these works will make a real difference to every driver who has had to endure the misery of being stuck in and around Birchley Island.”

Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader for Sandwell Council, said: “These improvements are very much needed, not only for Sandwell residents but for our local and regional businesses who use this junction on a daily basis."

Councillor Jackie Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable transport, added: "The new design will improve air quality and make the junction much easier for those who cycle or walk."

The funding comes after Sandwell Council submitted a business case to the Department for Transport last year. Work is expected to take between two and three years to complete.

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