The A454 corridor runs between Wolverhampton and Walsall. There are proposed improvements to help journey reliability and create efficient travel.

A454 Improvements

The A454 is a crucial route for local communities and businesses that provides connectivity between Wolverhampton City Centre, the east of Wolverhampton and onwards to Walsall. Improvements are needed to address air quality and journey time reliability, particularly during peak times. The A454 does not currently cater well for different modes of transport, notably walking and cycling. The series of improvement projects along the A454 will work to improve the air quality, journey time reliability and pedestrian and cycling provision.

City East Gateway (A454) is a key gateway to the city’s local communities and businesses:

  • The A454 is part of the West Midlands Key Route Network
  • The road provides a direct connection between Wolverhampton City Centre with Walsall Town Centre
  • The A454 is a key route for access between Wolverhampton and the M6 motorway
  • The A454 connects with the Black Country Route, giving access to the wider Black Country

There will be a vast improvement to infrastructure for:

  • Pedestrians and cyclists
  • Buses
  • Vehicles

These improvements align with strategic policies in the

Benefits

Environmental benefits
  • Improve air quality by removing an air quality exceedance area
  • Introducing segregated cycling facilities to offer zero-emission travel by cycling and wheeling
  • Improving pedestrian facilities to encourage walking as a mode – increasing the share of zero-emission travel
  • Reduce traffic congestion across the East of Wolverhampton
Regeneration benefits
  • Create a more efficient road layout that supports journeys into and out of the City Centre by walking, cycling and vehicular transport
  • Support access to future regeneration projects and businesses
  • Provide more reliable journey times
Public Health benefits
  • Safer cycle routes
  • Safe pedestrian walking facilities
  • Reduction in polluted air near residential areas
Economic benefits
  • Support the growth of local businesses
  • Improve potential for investment in the area because of long-term transport benefits
  • Improve access to residential areas
  • Support major identified regeneration sites

Improvement Phases

Phase 1 and 2 - Willenhall Road
Phase 3 - Neachells Lane
Noose Lane to Pinson Road Cycle Scheme

The public engagement exercise for this scheme has concluded and there was general support of the proposed scheme. Construction is anticipated to start January 2025. Further updates will be provided in the coming weeks.

 

 

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