New section of A45 officially opened

A new and improved section of A45 near to Birmingham Airport has been officially opened.

The section between the Damson Parkway junction and Clock roundabout includes a dedicated public transport lane to give fast and easy access to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International Rail Station.

The scheme also allows for the future potential for Midland Metro to be realised.

Solihull Council’s cabinet member for transport and highways, councillor Ted Richards, said: “This section of the A45 is an essential network link between Solihull and the East Birmingham and North Solihull regeneration zone and an important public transport corridor carrying a large number of bus and coach services as well as providing access to Birmingham International Rail Station.

“The improvements to the A45 will bring substantial benefits to some of the region’s key economic assets as well as supporting local connectivity and regeneration.”

The scheme cost £32million funded by Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Regional Growth Fund (£15m), The Integrated Transport Authority (Centro) (£10m), Birmingham Airport (£7m). Solihull Council as highways authority commissioned Birmingham City Council to deliver the scheme through contractors Volker Fitzpatrick Colas (VFC).