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£30 million revamp will see Birchley Island become 'gateway' to the region

The £30 million revamp of Birchley Island will see the roundabout to becoming a "gateway to the Black Country rather than an obstacle", it has been claimed.

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Birchley Island in Oldbury is finally set for a revamp

Politicians and business leaders have welcomed the scheme, which is finally set to get underway in the coming weeks after Government funding was secured.

The Oldbury roundabout – which stands at the intersection of the A4123, A4034 and M5 – sees some of the worst congestion in the region and has been earmarked for changes for more than a decade.

Transport chiefs say the improvements will reduce delays and improve air quality, as well as boosting employment and trading conditions for businesses.

Maria Machancoses, director of Midlands Connect, said: “Birchley Island is a strategically-important interchange linking local and national roads, including the M5 motorway.

"Commuters, locals and businesses alike have struggled with congestion for too long, it’s fantastic that these works can now go ahead, reducing hold-ups and improving the poor air quality caused by idling traffic."

She added that working with Sandwell Council, Black Country LEP, Black Country Chamber and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) had resulted in a "strong, united case for investment", and had helped to "overcome the obstacles that had previously slowed progress".

John Spellar, Labour MP for Warley, said: "At last, after a long battle, Birchley Island can become a Gateway to the Black Country rather than an obstacle. It will benefit drivers, business and the environment."

Nicola Richards, Conservative MP for West Bromwich East, said: “This is not only fantastic news for commuters in West Bromwich East and the wider Black Country, but it will be a great boost to our manufacturing output too."

The work, which is expected to last up to three years, will see new lanes introduced and the carriageway widened, while improvements will be made to cycling and walking routes.

The Department for Transport has put forward £24m for the scheme, with Sandwell Council, TfWM and Black Country LEP providing the rest.

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