The next phase of a works programme designed to improve traffic flow and  boost safety for pedestrians and cyclists on Birmingham’s Ring Road has started this week.

Contractors have started to begin construction operations at Bordesley Circus and Curzon Circle from June 1.

The works are part of a £14.05 million programme of improvements to busy junctions on the Ring Road partially funded through a Department of Transport initiative aimed at tackling some of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the country. A condition of the funding is that the project must be delivered by the end of this financial year.

The key elements of the projects are:

Bordesley Circus

  • Construction of a new road through the roundabout
  • Signalisation and introduction of pedestrian crossings
  • Widening of arms on approach to the roundabout
  • Footway and carriageway resurfacing
  • Construction of a signal controlled cycle gate at junction of Watery Lane Middleway / Adderley Street / Kingston Road
  • Road marking and signing improvements
  • Amendments to Traffic Regulation Orders

Curzon Circle

  • Widening of the circulatory carriageway
  • Widening of arms on approach to the roundabout
  • Conversion of pedestrian crossing to toucan crossing for use by both pedestrians and cyclists
  • Introduction of shared use footway
  • Road marking and signing improvements

The majority of the works will be carried out at night with noise monitoring in place.

Birmingham City Council is advising road users and residents that while every effort will be made to minimise the impact of the works on the daily life of the city, there may be some local delays.

Further projects to deliver improvements to Holloway Circus and Ashted Circus are in the pipeline.

Cllr Tahir Ali, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for Development, Transport and the Economy, said: “The Ring Road Pinch Points programme is an important part of our ‘Birmingham Connected’ vision to transform the City’s transport network.  It will bring much needed improvements at some of our busiest road junctions, supporting Birmingham’s continuing economic development and growth.”