£1m work on red route delayed

Work on a congestion-busting red route along a major road in the Black Country has been delayed, over 'design issues', it was revealed today.

The work on the route from Burnt Tree to Great Bridge was due to start early in the new year but has now been pushed back to the spring.

It was originally hoped the project, which is costing almost £1 million, would start last month.

But Sandwell neighbourhood's chief Councillor Mahboob Hussain said today: "Work is due to start in the spring - the slight delay in work starting is due to some design issues which had to be overcome."

Double red lines will be installed all the way along the A461 from the Burnt Tree junction to Great Bridge. Preparation work has already started.

Sandwell has been given £8.6 million for red route projects across the borough and is also undergoing a number of other road improvement schemes.

Another red route will run from West Bromwich to Great Barr, starting at All Saints Way and Newtown Road. Work began at the start of last month and is due to last for a year.

The £8.6 million for the red routes has been allocated under the West Midlands Local Transport Plan.