Regeneration
New cycle route and improvements for main road as £2.5m scheme to get under way
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A £2.5 million improvements scheme including a cycle route and better pedestrian crossings on the A454 between Wolverhampton and Walsall is due to start on Monday 13 January 2025.
City of Wolverhampton Council and Walsall Council are working together to create a cycle route from Noose Lane to Pinson Road along the A454 Willenhall Road and Somerford Place.
The two-way cycle lane will be built along 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.
It is the first stage in creating a dedicated cycle lane between Wolverhampton and Walsall and will link to other City East Gateway active travel projects along the A454, a focal point for regeneration.
Pedestrian crossings along the route will also be upgraded as part of the scheme, which was subject to public consultation.
City of Wolverhampton Council has secured £2.5m 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 will deliver hundreds of miles of cycle routes under the Black Country Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Plan.
“ This project will give people more choice over how they travel along this main route.
It is vital we offer people sustainable and active travel options in our effort to encourage healthier lifestyles and cut carbon emissions as part of the Net Zero City 2041 target.
This forms part of a wider vision for an inter-connecting network of active travel routes around the region that will help to reduce traffic congestion, improve health and air quality “
“ This new cycle route is another piece of the puzzle that will help improve active travel and connectivity for local people across Walsall and the wider region. Creating better opportunities for people to walk and cycle safely, for work and for leisure, is key to achieving our ambitions for Walsall to make it a cleaner, greener and healthier borough. “
As part of the work a short priority bus lane measuring 154 metres on Somerford Place will be removed to accommodate the new cycleway.
Work is scheduled to start next Monday, January 13, 2025 and last until autumn 2025, weather permitting. It is being delivered by Taylor Woodrow and follows a public consultation.
Traffic flows and pedestrian routes will be maintained throughout the period of construction.
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