Summary:
The A454 Willenhall Road is an important gateway into the City of Wolverhampton. The corridor is an essential link to the motorway network via M6 Junction 10. The corridor is also a growth area with a number of regeneration projects. The scheme aims to provide access to these opportunities for different types of transport. There are 2 priority focal points for improvement at this time, which has been phased for delivery:
Phases 1 and 2:
The improvements will support multiple modes of transport and allow smoother traffic flows through a one-way two-lane system around Middle Cross Junction, Lower Horseley Fields, Lower Walsall Street and Walsall Street. Lower Walsall Street and Walsall Street improvements will facilitate west-bound traffic and link back into Middle Cross and Bilston Road Island. Improvements to Hickman Avenue and Old Heath Road junction will help reduce congestion issues. In addition, segregated cycling facilities will be introduced to offer inbound and outbound journeys by bicycle.
Phase 3:
This phase focuses on Neachells Lane and the junction with A454 Willenhall Rd. It is a key junction for distributing freight and logistics traffic and a challenging space for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate. The Neachells Lane junction requires significant change to provide for cycling and walking in line with design guidance and to address current traffic congestion problems. The project will create a signalized roundabout running to the north of the petrol filling station and connecting back into Willenhall Road. North-south movements between Moseley Road and Neachells Lane will remain like the existing traffic arrangements.
Phase 4:
City of Wolverhampton Council and Walsall Council are working together to create a new cycle route from Noose Lane to Pinson Road, along the A454 Willenhall Road and Somerford Place.
The two-way cycle lane is being built on the central reservation of the A454 Willenhall Road, Wolverhampton, separating cyclists from pedestrians and vehicles, and off the carriageway on the B4464 Somerford Place in Willenhall.
Traffic crossings will also be upgraded as part of the scheme to make them safer and easier to use for all.
It is the first stage in creating a dedicated cycle route between Wolverhampton and Walsall and will link in with other City East Gateway active travel projects along the A454 corridor - a focal point for regeneration.
City of Wolverhampton Council has secured £2.5 million in funding through the Active Travel Fund, provided by the Department for Transport and the Further City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) - specifically outlined for transport schemes such as this.
A joined up approach between City of Wolverhampton Council, Black Country Transport, Transport for West Midlands and neighbouring local authorities is committed to delivering a network of cycle routes under the Black Country Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Plan.
The Noose Lane to Pinson Road cycle corridor will include the following:
New Segregated Cycle Route – The majority of the cycle route will include a 3m wide cycleway providing two-way movement, separate from traffic and pedestrians with the aim of promoting a safe and sustainable mode of transport.
New Cycle & Pedestrian Crossing Facilities – Existing signalised crossing points shall be upgraded to provide dedicated cycle crossings along the A454 Willenhall Road prior to Portobello roundabout.
Bus Lane Removal, Somerford Place – The short priority bus lane on Somerford Place will be removed to accommodate the new cycleway with the mature trees being retained.
New Landscaping – The cycleway will be located within the central reservation on the A454 Willenhall Road and has been designed to avoid existing trees along the route where possible. A total of 44 new trees will be planted of 7 different varieties. These trees have been chosen to suit their surroundings and will provide a pleasant surrounding and environmental benefits to local residents and cyclists/motorists.
Up to 15 trees have been removed to allow the construction of the cycle track with some being removed due to their poor condition.
Contractors will work hard to ensure that disruption to residents and local businesses is kept to an absolute minimum.
Works began on January 13, 2025 and are likely to last until autumn 2025, weather permitting.
Traffic flows and pedestrian routes will be maintained throughout the period of construction for the project.
The traffic management along the A454 Willenhall Road and Portobello roundabout for the majority of the scheme includes lane closures in place between 9:30am-3pm.
Hours of work will be from 7:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, with some weekend work as and when required.
A temporary one-way traffic flow system has been put in place on B4464 Somerford Place, allowing traffic to flow in a westbound direction only from the B4484 Pinson Road roundabout to the Portobello roundabout. It is expected that this temporary traffic management arrangement will be linked with an adjacent pedestrian and cycling infrastructure scheme and will remain in place on a 24-hour basis.
Access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times.
Benefits:
Reduced congestion
Improved journey time reliability
Improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
Address air quality threshold exceedance areas
Improve the connection between Wolverhampton and the motorway and improve the environment for residents in the area. The improved connections will enhance the regeneration opportunities and support economic growth along the corridor.
Current Development and Delivery Timescale:
Phases 1 and 2:
Development: 2021-2026
Delivery: 2026-2028
Phase 3:
Development: 2024-2029
Delivery: 2031-2033
Phase 4:
Delivery: January 2025-Autumn 2025
Authorities Involved:
City of Wolverhampton Council, Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, Transport for West Midlands and Midlands Connect
