Work is set to start next month on a congestion-busting £6.3 million road improvement scheme in Pensnett.

Motorists are being warned to expect delays on the A4101 High Street as temporary traffic lights go up to allow the essential work to be carried out.

It is expected to take 12 months to complete. Garry Dean, head of street and green care, said:

“We plan to be on site to start work in early May. While there will inevitably be disruption, and we apologise for that, every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum.

“In the long-term, the works will reduce delays and congestion and make the road safer. We would like to thank motorists in advance for their patience and support.”

Over the past few months the council has been working to fine-tune the plans for the scheme following feedback from residents and businesses. The authority has also been working to finalise the compulsory purchase of a number of properties to allow the scheme to move forward.

The first phase of work will see empty properties stripped in the triangular piece of land between the High Street, Bradley Street and High Oak. The work is being done to prepare the units for demolition.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place at several locations along the High Street during May and early June. There will also be lane closures and restrictions at various times and locations during the works.

The council will be installing traffic calming measures and a 20mph speed limit along Birds Meadow and Corbyns Hall Lane at an early stage in the project for the duration of the works.

There are no scheduled diversions to bus services. But bus stop locations within the works may change to allow some construction to take place.    

Key points of the scheme will see new traffic lights put up at the junction of High Street and Tansey Green Road, to ease congestion and make it safer for turning traffic.

The road will be widened along the High Street for two lanes to be introduced in both directions at the new traffic lights, while additional pedestrian crossings will go in along the road.

Bradley Street will be closed to through traffic to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians. And Birds Meadow and Tansey Green Road are to be made left turn out only, to improve visibility and safety for motorists and pedestrians.