Scheme to tackle severe congestion gets go ahead

The work at Willenhall Road/Neachells Lane would not start until 2031

The latest phase of a proposed congestion-cutting scheme on one of Wolverhampton's busiest routes has been backed by councillors.

The "severely congested" Willenhall Road and Neachells Lane junction will be widened and new paths and cycle routes added.

However, councillors heard the work, which could start in 2031, would result in a "fairly long period of disruption" and follows other measures - making nearby Walsall Street and Horseley Fields one-way - which is set to start in 2027.

"There will be some pain, for hopefully, plenty of gain," the council's transport officer Tim Philpot said.

Vice chair councillor Alan Butt added: "I think anybody that uses [the road] regularly is frustrated by the sheer volume of traffic, especially rush hour, but now it's always rush hour, it's a continuous flow throughout the working week."

The planned work - estimated to take two years - includes a new northbound slip road onto Neachells Lane from Willenhall Road, a new link road between the existing petrol station and the Travis Perkins depot on Neachells Lane.

There will also be new cycleways and footpaths, as well as public realm improvements including more trees, upgraded hard surfacing and boundary treatments.

The local authority's planning committee approved the project at a meeting on Tuesday.

"There will inevitably be problems with traffic throughout the build and that will have a knock on effect unfortunately for existing residents but we are very confident that the outcome will be positive," Phillip Walker, the council's senior planning officer, said.

The A454 Willenhall Road 'corridor' connects Wolverhampton city centre with homes and businesses in Willenhall, Darlaston, Wednesbury and Bilston as well as access to the M6.

It has also been earmarked as a key area for regeneration and development opportunities.