M5 junction island revamp to ease queues at major congestion hotspot in West Bromwich
One of the busiest roundabouts in the Black Country will be revamped as part of a multi-million pound plan, it has been revealed.
The roundabout at M5 junction one in West Bromwich is a key congestion hotspot, close to The Hawthorns.
But Sandwell Council now wants to upgrade it to cut queues and improve pedestrian safety.
Bosses approved the start of the design process at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
The early preferred design of it would be a 'hamburger' scheme, similar to the Birchley Island plans, with a bridge and widening of lanes.
Leader of the council, Steve Eling, said: "The idea would put the A41 over the top of junction one, so from Birmingham Road to the expressway it would a bridge.
"It would be another hamburger scheme, similar to Birchley Island.
"At junction one most of the day it is chock-a-block at at peak periods; it just gridlocks and it really needs something done now. Most of the main transport junctions are junctions one and two of the M5.
"The application for funding on Wednesday was just for the design costs that would then identify the real cost of the scheme, which we are not sure of.
"This is a bid for money to do the design and scoping work of junction one which at the minute we are right at the beginning of.
"It's a few years away but it will make a huge difference to the operation of the junction."
Councillor Paul Moore, who is cabinet member for economic investment, hailed the plans as being key in reducing delays at junction one of the M5.
A council report states: "This will assist in achieving all of the council's priorities by improving access to facilities and services, and to jobs, improving the environment and contributing to the economic wellbeing of the borough through improved links.
"All arms of the junction experience significant levels of delays and congestion in both peak periods.
"Traffic frequently back onto the motorway mainline resulting in long queues, sometimes as far back as junction two to the south and the M6 interchange to the north.
"Incidents of the roundabout 'locking up' are increasing which often results in major congestion on the eastern side of West Bromwich."
Council chiefs have admitted they are still facing a waiting game over a proposed transformation of the Birchley Island in Oldbury.
A business case has been submitted to the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership in the hope that funding for the scheme will be forthcoming.
