THE TOWN Centre Approach trial road closure is to be made permanent to improve the pedestrian and cyclists’ route into Solihull town centre.
The trial closure of the left turn from Blossomfield Road onto Station Approach was put in place in February to allow traffic engineers to assess the effect of this change on the local road network.
The scheme wanted to provide safer travel between the town centre and Solihull Station for non-car users.
Traffic volumes were monitored to compare the effects before and after the left turn closure was in place.
Some concerns have been raised by members of the public during the statutory consultation process about the impact of the closure.
Many believe there is additional pressure put on the roundabout and Blossomfield Road.
However, the council claims evidence from the investigations is that there has been no significant impact from this trial.
Councillor Ted Richards, Solihull council’s cabinet member for highways and transport said: “My officers have now completed analysis of additional traffic surveys that I insisted upon.
“They have observed and measured the impact on Blossomfield Road and the roundabout of this junction change.
“Their conclusion is that there is no significant impact on the local road network.
“Therefore I am content that, following this trial, removing this left turn should be permanent; especially as it has improved the route for the 1,000s of pedestrians and cyclists, against a small inconvenience for some motorists.
“I am happy that we can now continue the works to improve this important pedestrian route into the town centre, making it safer and more attractive to the thousands of daily commuters and visitors to Solihull.”
