Cross-City bus priority routes to bypass traffic jams and save commuters time

New bus gates and lanes being installed across the Birmingham and the Black Country are set to slash journey times for passengers.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has now appointed a new contractor so work can start on three new bus priority routes as part of the Cross-City bus programme.

The routes, which are being delivered in partnership with local councils, will see a raft of measures installed on key routes so that buses can bypass traffic jams.

Measures include new bus lanes, upgrades to junctions, traffic signals, parking and bus stops to provide more reliable, regular and predictable journey times – saving thousands of passengers valuable time on their commute.

Bus journeys were up to 22% faster following the installation of similar priority measures including bus lanes and junction upgrades on the A34 and A45 in Birmingham.

Existing bus priority measures on the A45 at Heybarnes Circus in Birmingham

The work is also aimed at encouraging more people to use the bus to help reduce traffic congestion and boost productivity across the region.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, has made investment in transport a key part of his Growth Plan to improve living standards across the region.

The extensive bus priority programme also supports the Mayor’s flagship policy of taking back control of bus services.

The works will take place during the transition from a private operator-led bus network to a franchise system run for the benefit of residents.

The Mayor said: “These projects are about saving people valuable time so they can get on with their lives. Every hour saved is an hour that can be spent with friends and family, enjoying a hobby, or simply relaxing.

“By making bus travel more reliable, we're not only improving daily commutes for thousands of people, we’re also boosting our region's productivity in support of my Growth Plan.

“It’s also an important step towards taking back control of our bus network and ensuring it works for the people of the West Midlands.”

TfWM has appointed international construction company Sisk to deliver the first wave of routes which include:

• Further work on the route from Druids Heath to Birmingham city centre
• Longbridge to Sutton Coldfield
• West Bromwich to Chelmsley Wood via Soho Road and Bordesley Green.

Early works, such as trial holes to assess utilities and assist with construction design, are expected to begin in spring 2026. Construction is scheduled to start in phases from summer 2026, with the aim of commissioning and opening up completed sections as swiftly as possible. The works are being carried out in collaboration with Birmingham City Council, Dudley Council, Sandwell Council and Solihull Council.

This phased approach will ensure people start seeing the benefits of the improvements at the earliest opportunity.

Nick Silitzis, project director with Sisk, said: “Sisk brings extensive experience in delivering major highways and public transport programmes across the UK and Ireland.

“Working hand in hand with TfWM, local authorities, our design partners at WSP, and local communities, our focus will be on delivering these schemes safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.

“Together, we aim to create a faster, more reliable bus network that will benefit passengers and the wider region for many years to come.”

TfWM is also continuing to develop other bus priority routes and will be asking local communities for their views shortly.

Consultations are underway or set to begin soon for schemes on Hagley Road, on the Longbridge to Hamstead via Pershore Road route and for bus priority in the city centre.

More information on these and other schemes can be found at https://www.tfwm.org.uk/who-we-are/what-we-do/cross-city-bus/ and https://crosscitybus.commonplace.is/

Alongside this, some of the first improvement measures are set to enter construction this autumn.

Construction activity is due to start within weeks on bus priority measures at Burnt Tree Island in Dudley as part of the route between Dudley and Birmingham city centre. The Cross City programme is being funded from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement awarded by the Department for Transport.

Information on the works in Dudley will available soon at www.tfwm.org.uk/dudley and across social media.