UPGRADES to a busy Solihull commuter route have been revealed.
Detailed designs for new bus lanes, shelters and junction upgrades on Hobs Moat Road and Lode Lane as part of the second phase of the Sprint rapid bus route development.
The new plans allow buses to bypass traffic queues between Solihull town centre and the A45 Coventry Road making journeys more reliable, regular and predictable for passengers.
Interventions planned for the Solihull section include a new bus lane northbound on Hobs Moat Road, the widening of Lode Lane at the JLR entrance as well as a southbound bus lane and a bus only gate in Solihull town centre.
It has been developed by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) along the A45 and A34, linking Solihull and Walsall town centres via Birmingham city centre.
TfWM say the improvements will pave the way for the first cross-city bus service in the region and provide the infrastructure for zero-emission, articulated buses to be running along the route in 2025.
Residents and businesses in Solihull have been invited to attend one of two drop-in events to find out more about the detailed plans on January 11 at St Mary’s Church in Hobs Moat from 4pm to 7pm and on January 16 at Ulverley School from 5pm to 7pm.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, Solihull Council portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure said: “This latest phase will build on work already undertaken to upgrade and expand the current bus priority measures between Solihull town centre and A45 Coventry Road, improving reliability and cutting journey times for passengers.
“The upcoming drop-in sessions, taking place along the Lode Lane / Hobs Moat Road section of the route, are a great opportunity to speak to the team at TfWM, find out more and ask any questions you might have.”
The first phase of Sprint was delivered in 2022 which saw new bus shelters and bus lanes introduced along the A34 and A45 in Birmingham and, according to a customer survey, 82 per cent of passengers have noticed improvements in journey times on the A34.
The second phase will see the improvements delivered along the remainder of the route in both Walsall and Solihull, with construction work due to start later this year.
