§ 37. Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Minister of Transport what consultations he has had with the Birmingham and West Bromwich Corporations, with a view to reducing the traffic congestion at the junction between the Walsall Road A34 and the Queslett Road, both in the short term and with regard to flyover schemes in the long term.
Mr. Bob Brown:Discussions with the two highway authorities began in 1966; recent consultations explored the possibility of providing extra lanes on the approaches to the junction.
Separate consultation has taken place with West Bromwich County Borough Council about providing a two-level junction in the longer term, but this must await the results of the West Midland Transportation Study which are not expected before 1971.
§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Minister of Transport when the dualling of the A34 between the Scott Arms and Perry Barr in the City of Birmingham will be started.
Mr. Bob Brown:This is a local highway authority scheme.
Difficulties have been experienced in land acquisition and in order to make 250W progress the scheme has been split into two parts. A flyover junction at Aldridge Road (Perry Barr) will form Stage I. Dualling northwards to Scott Arms (Queslett Road) will form Stage II.
Tenders have been received for Stage I, and we hope to authorise Birmingham City Council's application for grant assistance very shortly. We understand from the Council that when authority is given it anticipates no delay in placing the contract.
Information from the Council indicates that it now anticipates a start of works on Stage II in April, 1971.