Work is set to start on the Blackheath Bus Interchange Project, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of the town.
This will create a new bus interchange around Market Place serving all town centre services along with a new landscaped public space, which will replace the existing traffic island and create a safer pedestrian environment.
Funded by the government’s Towns Fund programme, the project will ensure traffic can still travel through the town centre, in line with people’s feedback from previous consultation.
Additional upgrades will include five new zebra crossings and ensure loading spaces are closer to businesses, supporting local trade.
Works are expected to start on 31 March and be completed by November. Temporary traffic plans will be in place for the duration of these works to minimise disruption.
The town centre and Blackheath Market will be open and accessible as usual during the works.
McPhillips, the main contractor for the project, will oversee the works with monthly updates shared with businesses and traders to keep the community informed throughout.
Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure, said: “This project aims to encourage more people to visit Blackheath town centre and will support shoppers, businesses and traders. We are creating an inviting public space and making it easier to access public transport links as well as improving safety and reducing congestion.
“Together with our contractor, we will continue to work closely with businesses, traders and residents in the town centre to keep disruption to a minimum while we carry out these improvements.”
The new interchange and road layout will mean buses and other vehicles will no longer have to compete for the same road space in parts of the town centre, so improving traffic flows. Also, buses will be able to dock properly at stops, offering safe, level access for people with mobility issues or with pushchairs.