Birmingham City Council's major road improvement scheme on the A457 Dudley Road is nearing completion, despite significant cost increases and delays. The project, aimed at reducing congestion and enhancing public transport, is expected to finish this summer.
Project Details and Cost Overruns
The scheme includes upgraded pedestrian and cyclist facilities, new bus lanes, and junction improvements. Originally budgeted at £32.1 million in 2022, the cost rose to £37.1 million in 2023 due to inflation and design changes. Last year, an additional £2.5 million was approved, bringing the total forecast to £39.6 million — £7 million over the original budget.
Council commissioners and opposition councillors expressed frustration over the repeated requests for extra funding. Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Harmer stated, "To come back a second time shows our processes are not up to scratch." Conservative leader Robert Alden added, "This is money that could have gone on transport improvements across the city."
Phase Four Progress
Despite the setbacks, the council confirmed that the fourth and final phase is "progressing well." This phase will deliver a protected cycle route along the Birmingham Treatment Centre and former City Hospital site, connecting existing cycle routes between Aberdeen Street and Western Road. The route will link to the city centre via the Jewellery Quarter and the ring road, as well as the Harborne Walkway.
The council attributed delays to the decommissioning of City Hospital and the opening of the New Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. Councillor Majid Mahmood, former cabinet member for transport, highlighted "significant extenuating circumstances" affecting the project.
Previous Phases Completed
Phase one finished in July 2022, improving access to the Galliard/Soho Wharf development. Phase two was completed in late summer 2024, adding cycle facilities, footways, and bus lanes. Phase three, focusing on Lee Bridge and Icknield Port Road Junction, is increasing highway capacity.
The entire scheme is scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
