Work set to start on multi-million pound Blackheath bus project
Work is set to start on the £3m Blackheath Bus Interchange Project, with Sandwell Council giving the green light for the development to get underway next Monday (March 31).
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Funded to the tune of £2,891,252 by central government's Towns Fund programme, council bosses say new development will mark a 'major milestone in the regeneration of the town.'
The bus interchange will be centred around Market Place and all town centre services will load and drop off there. The stops will centre around alongside a landscaped public space, which will replace the existing traffic island and create a safer pedestrian environment.
Additional upgrades will include five new zebra crossings to ensure loading spaces are closer to businesses.
Work is expected to be completed by November and temporary traffic plans will be in place for the duration of these works to minimise disruption, though the town centre and Blackheath Market will be open and accessible as usual during the works.
McPhillips, the main contractor for the project, will oversee the works with monthly updates shared with businesses and traders to keep the community informed throughout.
Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, 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.
“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.
"The new interchange and road layout will mean buses and other vehicles will no longer have to compete for the same road space in parts of the town centre, so improving traffic flows.
"Also, buses will be able to dock properly at stops, offering safe, level access for people with mobility issues or with pushchairs."
Visit www.regeneratingsandwell.co.uk for more information about the project or www.sandwell.gov.uk/roadclosures for more details on temporary traffic plans.
