Anger as road scheme soars £7m over budget

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.

- ALEXANDER BROCK Local Democracy Reporter

The A457 Dudley Road project is currently under way with the aim of improving journey times and enhancing public transport in the area.

The major route runs out of the city centre, though Winson Green towards Cape Hill.

The council is providing new bus lanes, upgrading facilities for pedestrians and cyclists and improving junctions to reduce congestion.

But “emerging pressures” meant permission was being sought this week for around £2.5m of extra funding for the project.

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

The extra £2.5m brings the forecast cost to complete the project to around £39.6m.

It is proposed the shortfall is met from bus lane fines surplus income.

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

“This latest increase in costs follows the previous £5m allocation and a lessons learnt report.