Overhaul of major Black Country roads moves closer
Major improvements to busy roads in the Black Country have moved a step closer after the projects secured funding to allow leaders to make the case to Government for full approval.
The A4123 Birmingham New Road and A41/A4444 Moxley Junction have been lined up for congestion-busting improvements and councils have now been backed with thousands of pounds of funding from transport body Midlands Connect.
The cash will allow local authorities to progress the schemes by assessing their feasibility. And barring no major issues, the case will then be put to Government.
The two projects are among six across the wider region which have been backed by Midlands Connect, which said they would "reduce congestion, support housing and employment growth, encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport, and provide better links to motorways and major trunk roads".
It added the schemes chosen "were assessed for their feasibility, deliverability and ability to ease congestion".
Critical
The A38 Kingsbury Road Corridor in Birmingham has also been backed.
Midlands Connect will now work with councils on the projects and to build the case to Government for support in the hope of bringing them to fruition.
Major Road Network and strategic roads manager Swati Mittal said: “We are delighted to support these critical schemes throughout the region, using our expertise to allow local authorities to make the case to Government for funding.
“Midlands Connect explores, develops and recommends transport projects which will provide the biggest possible economic, environmental and social benefits for the Midlands. These projects will deliver economic uplift, jobs and development opportunities throughout the region.
“We will also be examining how these schemes can contribute to decarbonisation, the take up of public transport and active travel. It’s essential that all road investments have these objectives at their heart.”
Deputy leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Adrian Andrew said: “My thanks to Midland Connect for this injection of funds. Our road network is vital to keeping the economy of the borough moving and this will allow us to explore improvements to an important junction.”
