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M5 traffic misery: Highways chiefs to look at easing congestion

Highways experts are to investigate how congestion can be eased at a busy roundabout at J1 of the M5 in West Bromwich.

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Bosses at Sandwell Council said they recognised action was needed over the notoriously busy area but that any scheme would be 'extremely complex and challenging'.

Work to help solve the congestion issue at the busy roundabout has been mooted for years.

Sandwell's highways team revealed that several options were being looked at but that planning was in its early stages.

There had been a suggestion highways bosses were considering building a new flyover but Sandwell Council bosses said that was not currently in their thinking.

Although experts said they were assessing options for the roundabout and motorway entry, they warned a quick fix was unlikely, meaning the thousands of drivers who use the busy area every day can expect congestion to continue for a while to come.

Andy Miller, Sandwell Council's strategic policy manager for planning and transport, said: "We acknowledge the need to improve J1 of the M5, both to deal with existing congestion and to accommodate future development across the borough.

However, there are no current plans for a flyover.

"The council will, in partnership with Highways England (which is responsible for the motorway), be looking at what form of improvement may be feasible both technically and financially.

"Any future scheme at this junction will be extremely complex and challenging and will need to be very carefully considered."

West Bromwich councillor Bawa Dhallu said it was recognised by most officials in Sandwell that a solution was needed.

He said: "Something needs to be done. I have been calling for something to happen there for years.

"As for what exactly should be done, I'm not sure, that's for Highways to decide."

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