£10m plan to ease queues on A461 Lichfield Road

Around £10 million will be ploughed into improving one of the busiest routes through Walsall under plans to ease congestion, it has emerged.

New signalised junctions will be created, pedestrian crossing points added and better bus stops installed as part of the scheme for the A461 Lichfield Road. Walsall Council is leading the proposals although its highways officers say they are currently in the concept stage and even if rubber-stamped work will not begin until at least 2015.

The route is the main link between Walsall town centre and Brownhills. Initial details for the scheme have been revealed as it has emerged £100,000 has been set aside to look at the feasibility of works.

A report to Walsall Council states: "The project description is for junction improvements along this strategic corridor."

Areas earmarked for improvements include the Mellish Road roundabout; Rushall traffic lights, Salters Road traffic lights and Shire Oak traffic lights. Car parking, pedestrian crossing pointsand bus stops andshelters will also be improved.

The scheme will require funding from the Department for Transport and will involve the council and Centro. It has been highlighted as a priority scheme by the council.

Traffic regularly builds up near the Mellish Road roundabout at busy periods. There is also often congestion at the Daw End Lane junction in Rushall.

It comes as a £26 million plan to create a new road network in Darlaston is due to get under way next year as part of moves for the enterprise zone.

The scheme is set to see better access links connecting Darlaston to the A454 and the M6 with improvements to roads such as Bentley Road South, Bentley Mill Way, Darlaston Road and Wallows Lane.

The £23 million Walsall ring road opened over three years ago to make it easier for motorists to get from junction 10 of the motorway to the town centre.