Bypass solution to rush hour jams
A bypass could be created to deal with rising problems traffic problem in Sedgley, where mile-long queues choke roads at rush hour.
A bypass could be created to deal with rising problems traffic problem in Sedgley, where mile-long queues choke roads at rush hour.
Car numbers passing through the village near Wolverhampton have increased over the past few years with tailbacks stretching back to Upper Gornal, more than a mile away, at peak times.
An action plan to tackle the problem is due to be discussed shortly by Dudley Council after the issue was raised by Sedgley's Councillor Michael Evans.
One of the key reasons given for the increased congestion is that more motorists travelling from Stourbridge and Wombourne are using the village as a short cut to Wolverhampton. Although no firm plans have been drawn up, one possibility to be considered is the creation of a bypass from Wombourne to Wolverhampton to ease traffic in Sedgley.
Traffic lights near the island in the centre of Sedgley could also be looked at. They can bring all traffic to a standstill at busy times.
Councillor Evans said the issue of traffic congestion in Sedgley was a serious problem and had to be addressed.
"Talks are set to take place in the near future,' he said "The hundreds of drivers using this route during rush hour will know the severity of the problems, with long tailbacks daily along Dudley Road.
"This has got worse over the past couple of years and we have reached the point where something desperately needs to be done.
"It is not just a matter of traffic, but also the impact it is having on the environment of Sedgley."
Councillor Evans added: "Along with Brierley Hill, Sedgley already suffers from the highest air pollution in the borough of Dudley.
"Part of the problem stems from the fact that drivers from Stourbridge and Wombourne use Sedgley as a short cut. "A bypass from Wombourne to Wolverhampton, taking traffic around Sedgley, could be among the plans looked at in the future.
"However, there are many issues which need to be looked at before any final plan is made.
"For a start, land would have to be found for such a development.
"Discussions on possible future plans will be considered soon."
Councillor Evans said even if the bypass plan were to be agreed other measures would be needed to deal with traffic from Wolverhampton to Dudley coming via Sedgley.
