Latest phase of Dudley Road improvement scheme begins

We are enhancing public transport and active travel modes along the corridor, supporting the city’s growth objectives within the Greater Icknield area.

The latest phase will create a protected cycle route, separate from cars, pedestrians and wheelers – an extension of the existing segregated cycle lane.

It will run along the front of the former City Hospital and Birmingham Treatment Centre, between Aberdeen Street and Western Road.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “The scheme will deliver significant improvements in network capacity and public transport, in addition to upgraded facilities for pedestrians and cyclists along the A457 corridor.

“It will make our roads safer and contribute towards our longer-term priorities of sustainable transport and net zero carbon ambitions.

“This work shows how we can work together with our public and private sector partners to enhance public transport and active travel.”

The latest phase is again being delivered by principal contractor McPhillips, and director Andrew Dunham said: “Phase 4 of the Dudley Road improvement scheme is the final piece in the multi-million-pound investment by Birmingham City Council to bring safer roads and an enhanced transport network to the area.

“At McPhillips we have built our reputation on collaborative working while delivering transformative change, and we are delighted to again be BCC’s partner of choice in this important and ambitious scheme.”

Note to editors about the first two phases –

• Phase 1 – Western Road junction, was completed in May 2022, which improved capacity and pedestrian facilities at the junction and facilitated the delivery of and access to approximately 3,000 new homes at the Soho Loop development, along with new local facilities and employment opportunities.
• Phase 2 – Spring Hill, Barford Estate and Heath Street / Winson Green Road sections, completed in August 2024 and delivered tidal flow bus lanes and a new bus lane enforcement camera, new segregated cycle lanes, footway and pedestrian crossing upgrades, including the introduction of a new shared use foot / cycle bridge adjacent to the existing Spring Hill canal bridge.
• Phase 3 - Lee Bridge and Icknield Port Road junction covers the section of the A457 west of City Hospital to Summerfield Park. These works involve significant highway improvements and junction enhancements on a section of the A457 Dudley Road (between Icknield Port Road/Winson Green Road junction and Western Road). The works also encompass highway and footway realignment over Lee Bridge.