Willenhall Cycle Lane Project Reveals £5 Million Taxpayer Price Tag
The full financial forecast for the new cycle lane in Willenhall has been disclosed, with taxpayers set to cover a bill of £5,037,792 for the infrastructure project. This segregated cycleway spans 1.2 kilometres, connecting Pinson Road to Rose Hill in the Black Country area.
Funding and Initial Costs for the Active Travel Scheme
Funding for the cycle lane comes from the Active Travel Fund, administered by the Department for Transport. Prior to construction, a feasibility study incurred an additional cost of £55,881, bringing the total investment to over £5 million for the community initiative.
Construction on the cycle lane commenced in April 2025, closely following the start of roadworks for the new Willenhall railway station—a separate project led by Transport for West Midlands. The simultaneous execution of these two major transport upgrades has led to considerable local disruption.
Business and Community Impact During Construction
The overlapping works have caused major upset among road users in Willenhall, with business owners in the town centre reporting severe impacts from reduced footfall. Ward member for Willenhall South, Councillor Simran Cheema, has advocated for compensation for businesses affected by what she described as nightmare roadworks.
Local entrepreneurs have voiced their struggles publicly. Tarik Rashid, managing director of a solicitors firm on New Road, stated that the works impacted morale throughout the town. Dan Lee, manager of Angling Direct also on New Road, characterized the roads as horrendous during the construction phase.
Shah Ali, owner of Bengal Relish on Bilston Street, expressed uncertainty about his business's survival, highlighting the financial strain caused by the ongoing disruptions.
Project Timeline and Completion Updates
The new railway station in Willenhall opened earlier this month, marking a milestone in the area's transport improvements. According to the construction manager for the cycle lane project, completion was scheduled for the end of March at the very latest, aiming to provide a safe and dedicated route for cyclists once finished.
This development underscores the balance between advancing active travel infrastructure and managing the temporary inconveniences faced by local residents and businesses. The cycle lane is expected to enhance connectivity and promote healthier travel options in Willenhall, despite the challenges encountered during its implementation.
