City of Wolverhampton Council and Walsall Council have worked together to deliver the A454 Noose Lane to Pinson Road active travel project, which runs along Willenhall Road in Wolverhampton and Somerford Place in Willenhall.

The scheme includes a new two-way, segregated cycle track on the central reservation of the A454 Willenhall Road and an off-carriageway cycle track on B4464 Somerford Place – which are now open for use.

The tracks separate cyclists from traffic, improving safety for those choosing to cycle.

Traffic crossings on the route have also been upgraded to make them safer and more accessible, supporting walking, wheeling and cycling as practical everyday travel choices.

Funding was secured by City of Wolverhampton Council through the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund and the Further City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS), specifically for sustainable transport projects such as this.

Cabinet Member for City Transport at City of Wolverhampton Council, Councillor Qaiser Azeem, said: "This forms part of a broader vision to create a well‑connected network of active travel routes right across Wolverhampton and the Black Country helping to reduce congestion, encourage healthier lifestyles and improve air quality.

"The A454 corridor is a focal point for regeneration and active travel projects are a key part of transforming this important route into the city."

The scheme supports a joined-up approach between City of Wolverhampton Council, Black Country Transport, Transport for West Midlands and neighbouring local authorities to deliver approximately 135km of active travel routes under the Black Country Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Plan.

Other planned A454 projects aim to connect the new track further into Wolverhampton, while improvements delivered by Walsall Council extend the route into Willenhall and the town’s new railway station.

As part of the project trees in poor condition have been replaced at almost three times the original number, using species selected to thrive in their new locations.

These will create new habitats for wildlife over time, and Wildflower seeds have also been planted in the verges that will establish over the coming years.

Delivered following public consultation, the project was constructed by Taylor Woodrow and is a major step forward in improving travel choices and road safety along one of the Black Country’s most important corridors.