A multi-million pound scheme to improve Burnt Tree island is now under way.
The A4123/A461 Burnt Tree junction on the Dudley/Sandwell border received the rubber stamp from the Department for Transport in May last year.
The joint project between Dudley and Sandwell councils will see the island transformed from a five-arm roundabout into a new four-arm traffic signal controlled crossroads with the diversion of Tividale Road into a further new signal controlled junction on the A4123(T).
Burnt Tree island lies at the junction of two primary routes, the A461 Dudley to Walsall Road and the A4123(T) Birmingham to Wolverhampton Road.
The aim of the scheme is to reduce delays and congestion, improve safety for all users, improve links to the regional and national highway networks, improve bus services and provide dedicated pedestrian and cycle facilities at each approach.
Statutory work start is under way with a diversion of water, gas and electricity supplies, which will form phase one of the programme.
The scheme is due to be completed by the summer 2011.
The overall cost of the scheme is £12.3 million, of which £11.8 million will be provided by the Department for Transport, with the remaining £500,000 funded by Dudley and Sandwell councils.
Engineers are currently finalising diversions and traffic management in and around the area and measures will be put in place to minimise inconvenience to the public.
Our construction partner for the project is Carillion Construction Ltd.
