Transport plans to go out to public consultation

Public consultation on the £27m plans to change a key part of the road network in Perry Barr will begin next week.

The project would see the removal of the A34 flyover, the retention of the A34 underpass and the replacement of the A34/A4040 roundabout with a four-arm signal junction.

The changes would also add in cycling routes, and improve footpaths and landscaping.

Perry Barr is at the heart of the Commonwealth Games investment and will undergo significant change in the lead-up to 2022 and as part of the Games’ legacy.

Further consultations on investment plans at Alexander Stadium and Perry Barr Rail Station and Bus Interchange will follow.

Cllr Waseem Zaffar, cabinet member for transport and environment at Birmingham City Council, said: “With 5,000 new homes set to be built in Perry Barr over the coming years, we need futureproof transport infrastructure to meet the demands of an increased population, with an emphasis on moving people rather than vehicles, reducing congestion which in turn will lead to cleaner air.”

An online petition against the plans has nearly 5,000 signatures because of concerns about the long-term impact of the changes as well as the disruption of the work, which could take two years.

Zaffar added: “I fully understand the concerns that have been raised locally but the A34 flyover needs to be removed for the maximum benefit to be achieved through the area’s regeneration.”

The transport investment was approved by Birmingham City Council’s cabinet in February. The scheme will now go out to consultation from June 3 to July 19.