Plans for a ‘hamburger island’ are due to be approved by Sandwell Council to reduce congestion around Birchley Island.
The public have backed plans for the improvements, which will split the roundabout in two. The work will see Wolverhampton Road passing through the current island in both directions next to the electricity sub-station, with four lanes from the M5 junction 2 to and from Birchley Island, and traffic signals from the Churchbridge approach.
Cllr Ian Jones, cabinet member for jobs and economy said: ‘These vital improvements are needed to our road network to provide a safe and efficient transport system.
‘This is one of the main gateways into Sandwell and investing in Birchley Island will ease congestion and improve access to services and jobs in the area.’
If the council’s cabinet approves the plans later this month, it will approach the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership for funding.
Photo: © Gordon Griffiths