Congestion-busting £3m plans to ease traffic queues on the M5
More than £3 million will be invested in easing congestion around the M5 in a bid to boost plans to build nearly 2,000 homes and create jobs.
The cash boost will be welcome as a major project to make repairs to the Oldbury Viaduct between junctions one and two has brought disruption for motorists.
Highways England revealed it was pumping the seven-figure cash sum in congestion-busting plans to tackle queues on the M5 at junction four.
Officials want to reduce the length of journey times in the area which would help travel times in and out of the Black Country.
The improvements include widening the A38 at junction one of the M42 and at M5 junction four to Lydiate Ash Road.
Detailed plans for the scheme will be revealed by Worcestershire County Council, which will led on the works, in the coming months.
The plans would be part of the wider plans aiming to also improve journeys on the A38.
This would boost plans for a total of 1,946 homes to be created in and around the busy route.
It is hoped new offices and warehouse space would be able to be created.
Highways England Midlands regional director, Catherine Brookes, said: “Our roads are vital for the country and its economic success; they connect businesses and communities and support employment and new homes.
"All of our improvements will ultimately ensure our roads continue to improve journeys and unlock the potential for new jobs and homes.”
The scheme is being developed by Worcestershire County Council in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council and is being funded by Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP), Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) and Highways England with further funding from the private sector.
The announcements comes as work continues on the viaduct section between junctions one for West Bromwich and junction one at Oldbury.
Highwasy England are working to have the repairs finished by the spring after confirmed they would look to abandon 'non-safety critical work'.
Project leaders say they are ready to give up on some parts of the job, including painting railings, as they believe it could hold up drivers unnecessarily.
Dates for completing the project had slipped last year after hot summer weather caused delays
