Following feedback received from early consultation in March 2021, work is now set to begin on a new off-road cycle route along the A4123 Birmingham New Road in Sandwell which will boost residents’ wellbeing through physical activity and encourage them to travel safely and sustainably.

With monies from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund, Sandwell Council in partnership with Dudley Council will invest in this two-way segregated off-road cycle route, delivering the first section of the A4123 route – between the Burnt Tree and Tipton Road junctions.

The high-quality cycle route and footway improvements will make bicycle and walking journeys safer along the route, with cyclists protected from motorised traffic, as well as distanced from pedestrians.

The cycle path will not have an impact on traffic flows on the road, as it will be created on the existing verge. Work is set to begin on the cycle route the week commencing 21 February 2022, with completion expected by the summer of 2022.

The cycle route designs are available to view on Commonplace the online platform where thoughts and ideas on the places where people live, work, and play, can be shared with decision makers. If residents are unable to view the designs online, they can contact transport_planning@sandwell.gov.uk who will arrange to provide them with plans.

Working with partnering authorities, there are aspirations for future extensions to this route, to Wolverhampton Ring Road in the north, and the Hagley Road (linking to Birmingham) in the south.

There are also plans to widen the Metro bridge as part of the existing planned Metro extension works to allow space for the cycle path to continue uninterrupted, and proposals are being developed to provide safe and efficient passage for cyclists across Burnt Tree junction. Councillor Ahmad Bostan, cabinet member for environment, said:

“This new cycle route is the first phase of our ambition to provide a route along the whole length of the A4123, between Wolverhampton City Centre and Hagley Road working in collaboration with partnering authorities.

"It is a fantastic, exciting first step in improving opportunities for cycling around our borough and across the wider West Midlands region, and it will provide excellent connectivity to a future Metro stop.

"The safe, protected cycle lane and footway improvements will provide cycling and walking opportunities to benefit residents’ mental and physical health through activity, and benefit the environment by encouraging sustainable travel."

For information about cycling in Sandwell, visit sandwell.gov.uk/cycling.