Summary:

Birchley Island is located at the point where the A4123 and the A4034 meet and is next to M5 Junction 2 in Sandwell Metropolitan Borough.

The junction acts as a crucial link between the Black Country and wider West Midlands. It is a key connection between Birmingham, Blackheath, Dudley, Oldbury, Walsall, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton. It also provides the south of the Black Country with a key link to the motorway.

Improvements to this junction will help more traffic pass through and ease congestion as well as making provision for cyclists and pedestrians. Several upgrades will be made to this junction such as an addition of a fourth lane for motor traffic; extending the length of lane 3; segregated cycle tracks/ footways; controlled crossings and road widening. These future-proof solutions to the issues at this junction will drastically improve road user experience.

Benefits:

Reduced Congestion and Improvement to journey times

Improved access to the M5 and other local A-roads

Improved Road Safety

Improve Air Quality

Reduce Nitrous Oxide emissions

Improved facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport

Unlocking wider economic opportunities for Sandwell

Unlocking employment opportunities

Improvements to freight, which is more attractive to investors

Cost:

£30m

Development and Delivery Timescale:

Development: 2015 – 2021 Delivery: 2022 - 2023

Authorities Involved:

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Highways England