Plans to cut traffic on key Solihull route by turning section into dual carriageway
Traffic-busting measures have been proposed to turn part of a key Solihull[1] route from a single lane road into a two-lane dual carriageway. A major highway improvement scheme is being developed to tackle congestion and long journey times along a section of the A452 Chester Road.
The A452 Chester Road, known locally as Collector Road, begins at Solihull's Castle Bromwich[2] Interchange and allows drivers to access Castle Bromwich and Smith's Wood. The busy route is also an access point for M6 and M42 motorists,[3] but is often clogged by heavy queues and delays.
Solihull Council[4] said they are developing plans that would make life easier for commuters and drivers by tackling congestion hot-spots on the A452. Early designs convert sections of the single lane carriageway into a two-lane dual carriageway in order to reduce congestion and improve journey times along the A452 corridor.
The programme would aim to improve highway capacity between the roundabouts at Moorend Avenue and Coleshill Heath Road in Chelmund’s Cross. The corridor is a headache for drivers, with frequent vehicle queues and delays, particularly around the Hedingham Grove junction.
Local authority bosses said the designs also include improvements for cyclists and pedestrians. A "safe and fully segregated" new cycle route has been suggested, as well as resurfacing of existing footways.
A six-week consultation on the proposed scheme will launch in February, and the council has asked residents and commuters to share their thoughts on the highways scheme. If the work went ahead, there would be disruption to local motorists, so the council said it plans to host a series of local drop-in events where people can find out more.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, cabinet portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure, said: “When we updated our Solihull Connected transport strategy last year, we made addressing congestion hotspots like the A452 Chester Road corridor a key priority.
"We want to deliver a scheme that will reduce vehicle queues, increase connectivity across this key part of the borough and improve our cycling and walking infrastructure for everyone. I would encourage all the Solihull residents and commuters who use this vital corridor to find out more and make sure they have their say when we launch our consultation next month.”
The council says those wishing to share their views can sign up to the Stay Connected bulletin by visiting www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected[6] and selecting ‘A452 Chester Road Improvement Scheme’.
For more stories from across Solihull[7] including BHX, breaking news, politics and what's on, sign up to our MySolihull[8] newsletter
References
- ^ Solihull (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Castle Bromwich (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ M42 motorists, (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Solihull Council (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ Things only Solihull kids will know - from Beatties department store to the Snooty Fox (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected (tracking.vuelio.co.uk)
- ^ Solihull (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
- ^ MySolihull (data.reachplc.com)