City of Wolverhampton Council's Bilston Urban Village highway capacity improvements programme remains on track for completion in December.

The 12 month project, which is being funded by £3 million of Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) money, is now at the halfway stage.

Improvements are being made at the Black Country Route (BCR)/Coseley Road roundabout and at the Broad Lanes/Ladymoor Road/Highfields Road junction.

The investment is being made to keep pace with the economic regeneration of the area as a place to live, work, invest and visit.

Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment, said: "We are now halfway through the delivery of this programme which is on schedule.

"The multi million pound Bilston Urban Village project is a hugely important part of Wolverhampton's regeneration plans.

"Naturally, as the area grows economically, the transport infrastructure needs to expand with it - making these highway improvements vital.

"Every effort is being made to keep disruption to a minimum and the improvements will make a big difference to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in and around Bilston."

The BCR/Coseley Road roundabout is one of the busiest in Wolverhampton and the works will deliver new and wider lanes to reduce traffic congestion.

The majority of the works are being carried out during off peak hours (9.30am to 3.30pm).

There are lane restrictions affecting the BCR and Coseley Road, and a temporary reduction in the speed limit to 30mph for the duration of the works.

A new mini roundabout is being built at the Broad Lanes/Ladymoor Road/Highfields Road junction to enhance the traffic flow and enable an increase in vehicle capacity, as well as better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. The short section of Highfields Road currently closed is due to reopen on 8 July.

Two way temporary traffic lights are in place on Broad Lanes/Ladymoor Road at times and diversionary routes are in place for those affected by the Highfields Road closure.

The Bilston Urban Village site will provide developers with the opportunity to build up to 450 new houses in a quality environment, together with new employment areas and leisure facilities.

The first phase of Bilston Urban Village saw the building of the Bert Williams Leisure Centre and South Wolverhampton and Bilston Academy - improving health and increasing opportunities.

  • released: Friday 10 June, 2016