Mayor opposes £27m transport plans ahead of Commonwealth Games

Perry Barr flyover

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has objected to the £27m scheme to change a key part of the road network in Perry Barr in time for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Street says the project would cause “significant disruption” and that the Commonwealth Games are “too important” to take on “unnecessary risks and challenges”.

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.

Street said: “The Commonwealth Games are going to be fantastic for our region, which means we have to get it right. We shouldn’t take on unnecessary risks and challenges. That’s why I have responded to Birmingham City Council’s consultation opposing its plan to demolish the Perry Barr flyover.”

The project, which is out to consultation until July 19, 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.

At the launch of the consultation, Cllr Waseem Zaffar, cabinet member for transport and environment at Birmingham City Council, said: “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 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.

Last week the Commonwealth Games Federation Coordination Commission expressed its confidence in the preparations for Birmingham 2022 after a two-day visit to the city. It said it has “every confidence that the partnership will deliver a fantastic Games in 2022 for the West Midlands”.

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close