Approval granted for £16 million project to enhance junction

Approval has been granted for a 16 million pound project to upgrade the junction at A45 Coventry Road, Damson Parkway, and Terminal Road in Solihull. The improvements aim to reduce congestion, enhance traffic flow, and support local industry and airport access.

A significant road infrastructure enhancement project has received formal approval to tackle persistent congestion at the junction connecting A45 Coventry Road, Damson Parkway, and Terminal Road in Solihull. The initiative is aimed at improving traffic flow in a corridor critical for access to both Jaguar Land Rover facilities and Birmingham Airport.

Funding and Authorization

The West Midlands Combined Authority has committed £16.4 million in grant funding to facilitate the delivery of the upgrade. Following endorsement at a recent meeting of Solihull Council, the project has advanced to the implementation phase, and the appointment of a contractor has been confirmed. Council documents indicate that the scheme intends to substantially reduce congestion in one of the borough’s busiest traffic areas. Officials emphasized that the improvements are necessary to sustain economic activity, support local businesses, assist residents, and accommodate future development.

Public Consultation Feedback

Feedback collected during a 2021 public consultation demonstrated broad support for the planned enhancements. Approximately 200 individuals participated, with 79% expressing full or partial approval of the proposed changes. This input was considered during the decision-making process leading to formal approval.

Details of Planned Infrastructure Improvements

• Creation of a new straight-ahead lane on the A45 eastbound approach toward the motorway.
• Addition of a second right-turn lane from Coventry Road into Damson Parkway, resulting in a total of five lanes on the approach from Birmingham.
• Construction of a dedicated eastbound bus lane to maintain uninterrupted bus movement through the junction.
• Dualling of Damson Parkway between A45 Coventry Road and the Jaguar Land Rover Logistics Operations Centre access, completing a missing dual carriageway segment between Damson Lane and the A45.
• Replacement of the current pedestrian footbridge over the A45 with toucan crossings accommodating both pedestrians and cyclists across three junction arms, improving access to existing and future bus stops.

Council Deliberations

During council discussions, Councillor Ken Hawkins described the project as long-awaited and highlighted delays in the approval processes for major infrastructure schemes under the West Midlands Combined Authority. Councillor Ben Groom raised questions regarding financial accountability in the event of project costs exceeding the allocated £16.4 million. Council officers confirmed that any overspend would be managed by the council itself, acknowledging a high financial risk while noting that extensive work had been conducted to identify and mitigate standard planning risks.

Before approving both the funding allocation and the contractor appointment, Councillor Groom emphasized that while risks are inherent in all large-scale infrastructure projects, the significant investment necessitated careful consideration. The funding commitment was made with attention to these factors.

Project Significance and Implementation

The junction upgrade has been classified as critical infrastructure due to its function in a heavily trafficked regional corridor. It serves as a key access point for industrial operations and airport-related traffic, contributing to existing congestion challenges. The approval process included confirmation of funding, detailed delivery planning, and selection of Balfour Beatty as the contractor responsible for executing the works.

Sources:

• Birmingham Mail
• Solihull Observer
• West Midlands Combined Authority News
• Approval for £16m scheme to improve junction