The next steps in a major infrastructure upgrade on the A454 Willenhall Road Corridor will be considered by Planning Committee next week.
The Neachells Lane junction improvements form part of the wider City East Gateway project. This aims to improve traffic flow on the corridor linking Wolverhampton with Walsall, the Black Country Route, M6 and key housing, employment and regeneration areas including Canalside and East Park.
The council has now submitted a planning application, which forms Phase 3 of the wider series of proposed highway improvements along the A454 corridor, that will be considered at a meeting on 11 November.
Following public consultation, the preferred scheme for Neachells Lane features a gyratory system to help relieve traffic congestion.
While some associated land assembly is required the main construction is expected to start in 2031 following Phase 1 and 2 of the City East Gateway project.
Key elements of the Phase 3 Neachells Lane junction improvements include:
Realignment of the eastbound carriageway along Willenhall Road
A new northbound slip road onto Neachells Lane
A new link road between the petrol station and Travis Perkins depot
Dedicated access and parking for some residential properties on Willenhall Road
Enhanced cycleways and footways
Tree planting and improved surfacing
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for City Transport at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This is a transformative project along one of Wolverhampton’s most important transport corridors. It will help unlock growth, improve journey reliability, and support safer, greener travel for residents, businesses and visitors.”
The A454 City East Gateway Phase 1 and 2 has already been approved in principle and extends from Bilston Street Island through Middle Cross and Lower Horseley Fields, up to the Chillington Fields junction. The scheme also incorporates Walsall Street and Lower Walsall Street. Work could start on that by late 2027.