Major Road Linking Wolverhampton and Birmingham to Undergo Funded Improvements

Funding has been allocated for upgrades to a busy road that connects Wolverhampton and the Black Country with Birmingham, and a consultation on the plans is currently in progress. The proposals for the A4123 Birmingham New Road and Wolverhampton Road include provisions for cycle lanes, tree planting, safer pedestrian routes, and new crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. The City of Wolverhampton Council stated that the plans also feature enhanced junctions and traffic signals equipped with CCTV, alongside real-time information displays at new bus stops. The consultation period is open until January 10 and can be completed online. Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for highways and green city, commented: “These improvements can have a positive impact on everything from traffic congestion to air quality, the local economy and our health.” He further mentioned that Black Country Transport, in collaboration with the City of Wolverhampton Council and neighboring authorities, successfully secured the funding for this route. This proposed work, being delivered in conjunction with the West Midlands Combined Authority, spans areas within Wolverhampton, Dudley, and Sandwell. These enhancements are being introduced a century after the original route, which linked the cities and provided employment for over 400 unemployed men, began construction in 1924. Residents and businesses situated in the immediate vicinity of the current scheme will receive a leaflet detailing further information about the project. Public consultation events are also scheduled for December 2 in Dudley, December 10 in Oldbury, December 12 in Wolverhampton, and December 18 in Oldbury. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.