A34 Perry Barr highways improvement scheme – Phase 2 update

Birmingham City Council has announced further details on the A34 Perry Barr highways improvement scheme, including key dates for anyone who uses key transport routes in the area.

The scheme will create a new road layout to support the wider regeneration of Perry Barr; providing better access to public transport and improving facilities for cycling and walking.

Phase 2 will run from January to May 2021 with major works due to take place in this phase including; the removal of the flyover, carriageway widening, and works to the new bridge at Birchfield Island.

In order to safely carry out these works, a new temporary traffic layout will be installed from 8 - 11 January 2021. The flyover will be closed from this weekend onwards, and its removal has been provisionally set for the weekend of 5 - 8 February 2021.

Advanced warning signage to motorists will be deployed in December, together with some significant traffic management and mitigation measures. 

The Council is also working alongside its partners to deliver a new railway station, a bus interchange with enhanced bus routes and a new Sprint bus priority corridor. These improvements will support the wider £500 million programme of activity to transform Perry Barr and surrounding areas.

Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment, Cllr Waseem Zaffar said: “These improvements are much needed, and I am confident that, once delivered, Perry Barr will become one of the most well-connected areas in Birmingham.

“However, these are major works and, although we are working to keep disruption to a minimum, it will have an impact on people’s travel arrangements. It’s really important that people start to prepare for the changes in advance.”

To help minimise disruption, Birmingham City Council will work with its partners, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to keep local residents, businesses, commuters and visitors informed of live traffic updates, road closures and alternative methods of travel.

Anne Shaw, Director of Network Resilience for TfWM, said: “The redevelopment of Perry Barr railway station and bus interchange, the extension of the A34 cycle lane and introduction Sprint bus priority corridor will vastly improve connectivity and public transport services for the people of north Birmingham.

“But there will inevitably be some disruption to people’s journeys while that work is carried out – and we strongly urge people to plan ahead – perhaps travel at a quieter time, walk or cycle for shorter trips or try an alternative route.

“Through our Regional Transport Coordination Centre, we will be monitoring the network closely, minute by minute, and keeping travellers updated with the latest information and advice to minimise the impact of these works.”