WORK is getting underway this week on schemes which Sandwell Council say will improve road safety and cut congestion.

Motorists and residents are being warned to expect delays while the work is being carried out.

New traffic lights are being installed at the Doulton Road/Dudley Road junction in Rowley Regis, while a road-widening scheme begins at Garratts Lane, in Old Hill.

The work in Rowley Regis is aiming to improve safety after a review of accident records between 2009 and 2017 revealed there had been 13 personal injury accidents at the spot.

The £100,000 scheme was backed by local residents, with 14 emails received in the community consultation, 13 supporting the scheme.

While at Garratts Lane, work will widen the road at the junction with Wrights Lane to relieve congestion, which the council claims creates tailbacks towards the roundabout at the junction of Highgate Street and the Old Hill bypass.

Councillor David Hosell, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: “I am pleased that work is getting under way on these schemes because we are doing all we can to improve safety and reduce congestion across the borough.

“We do have financial restrictions after Government cuts, but we are doing all we can to introduce improved safety at spots where action is needed as soon as possible.”