Highway project costs soar £7m over budget

'BASICS IGNORED' AS EXTRA FUNDING IS SOUGHT FOR A SECOND TIME

- ALEXANDER BROCK News Reporter

BIRMINGHAM City Council has come under fire after it emerged a major road scheme may end up costing at least £7 million more than its original budget.

The A457 Dudley Road project aims to improve journey times and enhance public transport in the area by providing new bus lanes, upgraded facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and improved.

The council approved a £32.1m budget in 2022, and then a revised budget of £37.1m a year later “to account for inflationary pressures and design changes”.

Now, as a result of “emerging pressures” a further £2.5m of funding is being sought, bringing the forecast cost to complete the project to around £39.6m.

It is proposed the shortfall be funded by income from bus lane fines.

Ahead of a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, government-appointed commissioners at the council said it was “disappointing” the scheme was seeking further funding.