Sir Gavin Williamson is urging the bosses of the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) scheme to urgently clarify when works on the A449 will be completed as motorists and residents continue to be inconvenienced by severe delays.
The WMI scheme has already created an environmental impact by destroying mature trees, increasing construction traffic, reducing lane occupancy, and causing access issues for residents and business.
Sir Gavin said: "The disruption, delays, and headaches caused by the WMI scheme shows not signs of abating.
“Many residents will have had the misfortune of attempting to navigate Gailey Island at rush hour. It is virtually impossible to travel anywhere in a realistic timeframe and I have received countless complaints from residents who have been late for work or missed crucial appointments.
“The issue is further exacerbated by other incidents such as routine roadworks further up the A449 – creating bedlam for all and with no end in sight, it is concerning that WMI do not appear to be providing updates as to when remedial work will end.
“I am also deeply concerned regarding the destruction of mature trees along the A449 which has left the landscape barren – totally destroying the landscape and wreaking havoc on the local environment as well as its identity.
“I am calling on the management team at WMI to urgently clarify when these trees will be restored, as well as setting out the speed of remedial works to alleviate the severe disruption that is being wilfully created. I will continue to update residents as soon as I have received further updates.”
