Congestion-hotspot traffic island revamp funding on way
Bosses expect news on a multi-million funding bid to revamp on congestion-hotspot Birchley Island within weeks.
Sandwell Council has promised work on the transformation of the notorious island near junction two of the M5 at Oldbury will go ahead.
Bosses say they will soon be able to set timescales once confirmation of funding comes through from the Government.
Ministers pledged half a billion pounds to new road schemes across the country.
Council chiefs have bid for cash towards the £12 million island revamp.
Councillor Steve Eling, deputy leader, said: "We are continuing to look for central government funding to make this happen.
"The chancellor announced around £0.5bn nationally for local major transport schemes in his Autumn Statement.
"We are waiting for details as to how it is intended this funding will be allocated and through which bodies. When we know that, we can confirm timescales.
"We are still working on the basics at the minute but, but we are confident that it will be funded and it will be delivered, once we get the approval."
Birchley Island, which is used by around 92,000 drivers a day, is set for the overhaul after it was revealed last year that surrounding roads were reaching capacity at peak times.
The new road layout would see Wolverhampton Road extended through the roundabout to create a two-way 'hamburger' island, that could cost in the region of £12.7 million.
