Work is set to begin next week on a £2.5 million scheme including cycle lanes, better crossings and other improvements on the A454 between Wolverhampton and Walsall.

City of Wolverhampton Council and Walsall Council are working together to create a new cycle route from Noose Lane to Pinson Road, along the A454 Willenhall Road and Somerford Place.

The two-way cycle lane will be built on the central reservation of the A454 Willenhall Road, Wolverhampton, separating cyclists from pedestrians and vehicles, and off the carriageway on the B4464 Somerford Place in Willenhall.

Traffic crossings will also be upgraded as part of the scheme to make them safer and easier to use for all.

It is the first stage in creating a dedicated cycle route between Wolverhampton and Walsall and will link in with other City East Gateway active travel projects along the A454 corridor - a focal point for regeneration.

City of Wolverhampton Council has secured £2.5m in funding through the Active Travel Fund, provided by the Department for Transport and the Further City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) - specifically outlined for transport schemes such as this.

A joined-up approach between City of Wolverhampton Council, Black Country Transport, Transport for West Midlands and neighbouring local authorities is committed to delivering a network of cycle routes under the Black Country Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Plan.

Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for Transport and Green City at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This project will give people more choice over how they travel along this main route.

“It is vital we offer people sustainable and active travel options as we enable healthier lifestyles and cut carbon emissions as part of our Net Zero City 2041 target.

“This forms part of a wider vision for an inter-connecting network of active travel routes around the region that will help to reduce traffic congestion, improve health and air quality.”

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, said: “This new cycle route is another piece of the puzzle that will help improve active travel and connectivity for local people across Walsall and the wider region. Creating better opportunities for people to walk and cycle safely, for work and for leisure, is key to achieving our ambitions for Walsall to make it a cleaner, greener and healthier borough.”

As part of the work a short priority bus lane measuring 154 metres on Somerford Place will be removed to accommodate the new cycleway.

Work is scheduled to start on Monday, January 13, 2025, and last until autumn 2025, weather permitting.

The project – which was subject to consultation - is being delivered by Taylor Woodrow.

Traffic flows and pedestrian routes will be maintained throughout the period of construction.