Road misery goes on as major works are delayed
‘Complex engineering issues’ mean scheme is 3 months late
BIRMINGHAM’S major Perry Barr highways improvement scheme will finish three months later than planned, it has been revealed.
The controversial A34 road scheme, which has seen the demolition of the Perry Barr flyover, is part of massive £500 million overhaul of the area aimed at improving public transport, homes and facilities ahead of next summer’s Commonwealth
Games. Although initially due to finish this month, Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said the scheme is now expected to be completed in the spring next year.
The extension will mean a further three months of traffic misery for those passing through the area who have faced long delays on a daily basis.
Cllr Zaffar said construction issues were behind the delayed completion. He said: “The A34 Highway Improvements scheme at Perry Barr has been on site for 18 months and the bulk of the work is now complete in spite of pressures arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As with all construction projects, there have been a few extra challenges that have had to be addressed along the way, all of which have required additional time to resolve.
“One of the main ones has been the complex engineering required for the construction of the new bridge in the middle of what is currently Birchfield Island.
“This encountered some unexpected construction issues that had to be overcome and required additional time.
“As a result of all these factors, the new larger A34 scheme will now complete on a phased basis across spring 2022, in time for the area’s summer festivities.
“Birmingham City Council is working closely with its A34 Improvement Scheme contractor, Tarmac, to explore options for bringing forward milestone dates wherever possible.”
The project also involves a new bus lane and work in Aldridge Road.