Type=image;ImageID=11593;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Birmingham New Road/Shaw Road roadworks;TitleClass=strong;
Central government funding of £1.5 million is behind the key project at the A4123 Birmingham New Road/Shaw Road junction.
The scheme, which is scheduled to last until spring 2017, will reduce traffic congestion, improve conditions for cyclists and pedestrians, and address road safety concerns following several accidents at this location.
The works are currently taking place during the off peak hours of 9.30am to 3.30pm, from Monday to Friday, and there is no left turn from Birmingham New Road (northbound) to Shaw Road.
The Shaw Road closure, between Birmingham New Road and Hinchliffe Avenue will also remain in place until Friday 23 December.
But more utilities works than anticipated mean the hours will be extended from Tuesday 3 January 2017 to ensure the original deadline for the scheme is met, subject to bad weather conditions.
The longer working hours mean Shaw Road will have a 24 hour closure in force on both sides 7 days a week, between Birmingham New Road and Hinchliffe Avenue on the east side, and from Birmingham New Road to Foster Avenue on the west side.
The east side diversion route will be Birmingham New Road, Ivyhouse Lane, Fullwoods End, Havacre Lane, Biddings Lane, and vice versa.
The west side diversion route will be Birmingham New Road, Rookery Road and Ettingshall Road, and vice versa.
From the same date, Birmingham New Road will see 24 hour lane restrictions in place 7 days a week, making it one lane in both directions.
The scheme will improve access to urban centres and key new development sites by providing additional traffic capacity at what has become a bottleneck.
City of Wolverhampton Council will be working in partnership with Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver the project which will help unlock the development of housing on 6 sites - Bilston Urban Village and Ward Street in Wolverhampton, land off Darkhouse Lane and Peartree Lane in Coseley, Coseley Eco Park, and land off Bloomfield Road, Tipton.
Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: "This is a key pinch point on the A4123 corridor that restricts access to a number of local development sites and strategic through routes, impacting on potential jobs and growth in the local area.
"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience the works cause and would urge road users to remain patient.
"When completed, the new road layout will make life easier for residents, commuters and businesses in Wolverhampton and Dudley."
The improvements will provide new filter lanes from Birmingham New Road, new and improved pedestrian crossing facilities and new cycle infrastructure, as well as bus priority measures.
It also fits in with the two local authorities' economic and transportation priorities to link the surrounding communities with the retail and employment sectors by foot and cycle.
- released: Wednesday 21 December, 2016