£25m West Bromwich underpass is finally open
The £25 million A41 underpass in West Bromwich opened to drivers today, ending more than two years of work.
An opening ceremony took place with Sandwell's mayor, Councillor Keith Davies leading traffic down the new road.
The underpass has been designed to speed up traffic flow along the dual carriageway which runs between the town and junction one of the M5.
The redevelopment, which was originally planned for completion by late 2011, has seen new pedestrian and cycle facilities at ground level replacing existing subways and a new footbridge crossing the underpass to link the town centre with All Saints Way.
The project began in June 2010, with speed limits cut from 50mph to 30mph and lanes closed along a one-and-a-half mile stretch, reaching from Carters Green island to the motorway island.
The capacity of the junction will increase from 70,000 to 115,000 vehicles each day. Bus service reliability and commuters will also benefit.
At today's opening ceremony around 20 people gathered on the bridge overlooking the new road including Sandwell councillors, officers and construction workers, while representatives from West Midlands Fire Service were also present.
The mayor and deputy mayor led a cavalcade underneath the bridge while a number of drivers honked their horns and waved to the people on the bridge as they went through. The Mayor then unveiled a plaque marking the opening.
Within minutes there was a steady flow of traffic, and shortly after the opening a flat bed truck broke down underneath, where it stayed for around six minutes, until the driver restarted the engine.
Keith Davies, Mayor of Sandwell said: "It was an honour to lead the traffic through the underpass this morning.
"So much work has gone into this project. It's exciting to see so many changes happening in West Bromwich."
Borough neighbourhoods boss Councillor Ian Jones, said: "This has been 20 years in the planning and this is a big stage in the regeneration of West Bromwich.
Bill Gifford, regional director at Balfour Beatty, which carried out the work, added: "I would like to thank Sandwell Council for its assistance throughout the contract and the residents and the travelling public for their patience during this major project."
