Work to cut West Bromwich A41 queues is finished

Drivers are road-testing the new High Street design in Carters Green for the first time after months of works as part of a £1.1 million makeover of the area.

From today the new road layout in High Street will swing slightly to the left where the old bus stops were previously located – as motorists drive down towards the Farley Clock Tower.

The two existing pedestrian crossings have been removed and the new crossing will be relocated away from Albion island to prevent traffic backing up onto the A41.

Sandwell Council bosses hope it will reduce accident rates, improve public safety and tackling issues that cause traffic to back up onto the A41 have been a major drivers for the scheme.

Paving on the south side of the High Street at Carters Green has also been completed, while new lighting is being installed and new street trees will be planted in November.

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The Carters Green area is being overhauled with new pavements, seating, street lighting and the creation of a new public square and events area. The new road system will enable work to start on the north side of the High Street where the public square and events area will go.

There has been no road closures during the works and traffic congestion has been kept to a minimum, say council bosses.

The £1.1m regeneration and safety project is also delivering increased on-street parking, better and safer crossing points for pedestrians while realigning the road is intended to slow down vehicles, but also improve the flow of traffic.

Councillor Jackie Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable transport, said: “It is very pleasing to see the transformation of Carters Green happening before your very eyes.

“The footways and public spaces will have a totally different feel and hopefully this will encourage more people to visit Carters Green.” The 24-week scheme got unde way at the end of June.