Update on sprint buses expected by 'end of summer'
An update on the construction of two new Sprint bus lanes for the 2022 Commonwealth Games is expected ‘by the end of summer’, authorities have said.
Back in March the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) announced a number of changes to proposals for three Sprint bus lanes in the city, following public consultation and a series of meetings with residents.
While it was announced that there would be a delay to the introduction of a route into Sutton town centre until after the Games, the most notable changes were to the A34 Walsall Road scheme, which pledged to keep ‘most if not all’ residential parking after previously planning to replace it with a bus lane.
The changes are in part thanks to the campaigning of the A34 Safety Action Group, who held public rallies and meetings with the WMCA over the proposals.
Last month group members criticised the WMCA over its lack of contact with residents, saying that they had been ‘kept in the dark’ since it was announced that changes would be made.
But the authority has now issued a short update regarding the plans, announcing that further information on the remaining two routes can be expected within the next few months.
“We have listened to your comments and feedback on the proposed design options and we are reviewing them,” a statement on the Transport for West Midlands website said.
“We are carrying out detailed assessment on the designs which involves checking the impact each change may have on the operation of public transport and the general road network in great detail, so this work will take some time to progress.
“We will provide further information on our revised design options by the end of summer. We will meet with residents, local businesses and other interested parties once these results have been published to give an opportunity for feedback on the changes made to the original plans
“Details of how we will engage with you will be shared here on our website, via our social media channels and email alerts. We will also advertise details in your local area where possible.”
Updates will be posted on the WMCA’s Sprint page, which can be accessed via www.tfwm.org.uk/development/sprint
