By Gurdip Thandi
Copyright expressandstar
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has now appointed a new contractor so work can start on three new bus priority routes as part of the Cross-City bus programme.
The routes, which are being delivered in partnership with local councils, will see a raft of measures installed on key routes so that buses can bypass traffic jams.
Measures include new bus lanes, upgrades to junctions, traffic signals, parking and bus stops to provide more reliable, regular and predictable journey times – saving thousands of passengers valuable time on their commute.
International construction company Sisk will work on the first wave of routes which include:
West Bromwich to Chelmsley Wood via Soho Road and Bordesley GreenFurther work on the route from Druids Heath to Birmingham city centreLongbridge to Sutton Coldfield
Early works, such as trial holes to assess utilities and assist with construction design, are expected to begin in spring 2026.
Construction is scheduled to start in phases from summer 2026, with the aim of commissioning and opening up completed sections as swiftly as possible.
Transport bosses say bus journeys were up to 22 per cent faster following the installation of similar priority measures including bus lanes and junction upgrades on the A34 and A45 in Birmingham.
The work is also aimed at encouraging more people to use the bus to help reduce traffic congestion and boost productivity across the region.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said: “These projects are about saving people valuable time so they can get on with their lives.
“Every hour saved is an hour that can be spent with friends and family, enjoying a hobby, or simply relaxing.
“By making bus travel more reliable, we’re not only improving daily commutes for thousands of people, we’re also boosting our region’s productivity in support of my Growth Plan.
“It’s also an important step towards taking back control of our bus network and ensuring it works for the people of the West Midlands.”
Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport with Birmingham City Council said: “Improving public transport is a key part of the city council’s transport plan, making it easier for people to leave their cars at home and making communities safer from road harm.
“These priority routes mean passengers can get to their destinations quickly, meaning less time spent on a commute and more time and opportunities when it comes to jobs and leisure time.”
TfWM is also continuing to develop other bus priority routes and will be asking local communities for their views shortly.
Consultations are underway or set to begin soon for schemes on Hagley Road, on the Longbridge to Hamstead via Pershore Road route and for bus priority in the city centre.
Construction is due to start within weeks on bus priority measures at Burnt Tree Island in Dudley as part of the route between Dudley and Birmingham city centre.
