New traffic measures needed for completion of Blackheath's £2.9m town centre regeneration scheme coming into force in September
Blackheath businesses have been promised there will be 'minimum disruption' during the next phase of road closures needed for the construction of the town's new bus interchange.
The temporary traffic measures come into force on Tuesday, September 2, as part of the £2.9 million regeneration project which is set to be completed in November.
Sandwell Council leader and Blackheath councillor Kerrie Carmichael said: “This project aims to encourage more people to visit Blackheath town centre and will support shoppers, businesses and traders. We are creating an inviting public space and making it easier to access public transport links as well as improving safety and reducing congestion."
Blackheath Market and other businesses will remain open but many have complained roadworks which started in the spring needed for the scheme have put off shoppers visiting their stores.
Sean Russell, of Big Sean's Deals, said: "This is a testing time for all traders and shopkeepers. But please don't give up on us - we need you more than ever."
When completed the Government-funded scheme will provide Blackheath pedestrians and drivers easier access to the town centre which will have a new landscaped public space, replacing the existing traffic island.
The current traffic management involves three-way temporary signals and means vehicles cannot access Birmingham Road from Oldbury Road, however, the Acorns car park and the on-street parking in Oldbury Road is still open as usual.
From September 2, for three weeks, works will include the existing three-way temporary signals, where vehicles cannot access Birmingham Road from Oldbury Road. In addition, there will be weekday, daytime (Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm) closures on Halesowen Street.
Road users are asked to find alternate routes wherever possible and Blackheath town centre customers are encouraged to use public car parks which will remain open during the construction works.
Council leader Carmichael believes the short term disruption will be worth when the scheme is completed.
She said: “Businesses including Blackheath Market will be open as normal throughout the works. Together with our contractor, we will continue to work closely with businesses, traders and residents in the town centre to keep disruption to a minimum while we carry out these improvements.”
McPhillips is the contractor undertaking the project and created ten new jobs for the site.
Sandwell Council regularly updates residents about roadworks on its dedicated webpage at www.sandwell.gov.uk/roadworks and road closures webpage at www.sandwell.gov.uk/roadclosures.
All current roadworks can also be viewed at www.one.network.
