Washwood Heath Bus Priority Scheme

Fitzgerald Contractors has successfully delivered this bus priority scheme on the busy B4114 corridor in Washwood Heath, between Membury Road and Drews Lane. The scheme strategically reconfigured road space to enhance bus journey times and boost service reliability, helping residents and commuters enjoy smoother, more dependable travel, every day.

A comprehensive range of improvements were undertaken, designed to enhance public transport efficiency and road user safety. Key elements of the scheme included:

· Footway works for the relocation of uncontrolled pedestrian crossing points.

· Relocation of a zebra crossing.

· Resurfacing, including high friction surfacing.

· Road markings.

· Installation of traffic signs.

· Provision of bus shelter amendments.

Our detailed, phased Traffic Management Plan (TMP), developed in close collaboration with TfWM, helped ensure safe completion of the extensive works on the busy urban route, whilst effectively managing traffic flow and minimising disruption. Our TMP enabled the team to conduct works both during the day and overnight, with night shifts carefully broken down into hourly segments to ensure tasks were completed efficiently within allocated timeframes, allowing the road to reopen promptly.

Given the complexities and costs associated with traffic management on the high-traffic route, a ‘right first-time’ delivery approach was imperative. To uphold this standard, stringent quality controls were implemented and communicated clearly throughout the supply chain via pre-let meetings, project inductions, and weekly progress reviews.

Open partnership with key stakeholders played a central role in the scheme’s success. From the outset, we engaged with TfWM and Birmingham City Council to set and agree clear project objectives and key performance indicators. These included commitments to transparent, cooperative working relationships, and a shared focus on minimising disruption to residents, businesses, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

In addition, the project team worked closely with utility providers to comply with health and safety regulations relating to underground services. When unforeseen buried services were encountered, swift coordination with statutory undertakers ensured timely resolution of issues not previously envisaged in the scope.

“This complex scheme was meticulously planned throughout, ensuring works were delivered to programme with the minimum of disruption to the travelling public.” Stuart Amphlet, Transport for West Midlands.