Cross-party support for a proposed cycle route along the A38 in Birmingham has been welcomed, with the £22.5 million scheme set to deliver approximately 3.73 miles of new cycling infrastructure between Selly Oak and Longbridge.
The proposals aim to connect the existing cycle route in Selly Oak with Longbridge, creating a continuous cycling corridor from south Birmingham towards the city centre.
The scheme also includes highway modifications, junction improvements and additional pedestrian crossings.
The majority of the route will run along the central reservation of Bristol Road South, according to Birmingham City Council, meaning most of the scheme will not require the removal of existing traffic lanes.
Supporters say the proposals will provide residents with safer and more convenient travel options, while contributing to the development of more accessible urban transport infrastructure.
The scheme’s £22.5 million cost has attracted scrutiny, particularly amid concerns about the condition of local roads. However, the funding comprises £14.5 million from a central government transport grant, £4 million from Clean Air Zone surplus revenue and a further £4 million from bus lane enforcement surplus revenue.
These funding streams are subject to restrictions on their use and cannot simply be transferred into the council’s general budget to fund other services.
While welcoming support for the proposals, the councillor said the cost of the scheme should remain subject to scrutiny, with residents entitled to expect value for money.
The project is intended to improve cycling connectivity between south Birmingham and the city centre, alongside measures to improve conditions for pedestrians at junctions and crossings.
(Picture: Yay Images)
