Motorists who use the M6 junction 10 and nearby residents are being urged to take part in a travel survey ahead of a major transport project to reduce congestion in the Black Country.
The survey aims to raise awareness of improvements being made to the busy junction and find out how people travel in the area. Transport bosses will then use the information to help people plan ahead and make changes to their journeys while the work takes place.
The survey is being carried out by Transport for West Midlands TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), ahead of the works by Walsall Council.
A key route between Walsall and Wolverhampton, users of the M6 and the local road network often experience significant delays during peak times. The scheme will demolish existing bridges and replace them with new bridges which will double the number of lanes for traffic.
Enhanced facilities for pedestrians and cyclists will also be installed to give them an improved route through the junction. Other improvements include improving safety at the junction to the east and widening the the A454 Black Country route to the west.
Work is due to start early 2020 and anticipated to last until late 2022.
Survey responses will be used to identify the most popular times and ways people travel to and from over 700 local businesses to develop journey planning solutions and options for travel while the work is carried out.
Solutions which could be explored by TfWM, include:
- Advising when and how to travel to avoid the busiest times
- Supporting people to car share
- Exploring off peak ticket offers
- Identifying the busiest routes and most popular journeys and providing alternatives
- Working with local businesses to provide advice and support with car share schemes, cycling benefits, corporate ticketing, and flexible working schemes.
Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, Cllr Adrian Andrew said: “Congestion is a headache for drivers and residents alike. This survey will help planners make the right decisions for all of us and I’d encourage Walsall residents to take part.”
Anne Shaw, director of network resilience, TfWM said: “Useful and reliable information during roadworks is essential to help people move around the region. We’re really keen to speak to people who travel through or along the M6 to help them plan ahead and keep moving while the work takes place. We are pleased to be able to support Walsall Council as they prepare for this transformational project.”
To take the survey please visit: www.networkwm.com/J10 . The survey closes on 27th November 2019.
For travel updates and advice while the work takes place please sign up here.
