WITH the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, and rail strikes on the horizon, it’s useful to know which road closures and other traffic control measures will be in place in the coming weeks.

Below is the information for major Sandwell and Dudley road closures and changes to traffic conditions.

The Commonwealth Games 2022 site states: “To keep you moving and ensure a smooth operation, in the run up to and during the Games there will be changes to the way you travel and park around competition venues, road races and some transport hubs. ​​The parking restrictions are designed to protect residential streets, ensure you can access your homes safely and reduce spectator parking in restricted areas. ​

“​To help reduce traffic in and around venues, spectators at the events will be encouraged to use public transport, with the cost included in their event tickets. ​These areas will be busier than usual so please plan ahead and look at alternatives to driving, like walking or cycling shorter journeys, taking public transport or travelling at a different time to avoid peak times.​

The new Sandwell Aquatics Centre will host swimming, para swimming and diving events from July 29 to August 8. The majority of the road restrictions will be in place until August 9.

One exception is the section of Londonderry Lane just outside the Aquatics Centre. This will be one-way and only accessible with a permit from July 21.

For detailed changes to traffic conditions in Sandwell, you can visit the affected roads section on this page of the Commonwealth Games site: https://www.birmingham2022.com/getset/sandwell

On Thursday August 4, the time trial cycling racers will be zooming through the Black Country, starting and finishing in Wolverhampton’s West Park, touching parts of Dudley and South Staffordshire in between. 

On Thursday August 4 between 12.01AM and 6PM, the following roads will be closed:

Park Road West

Connaught Road

Southgate

Summerfield Road

Albert Road (between Park Road West and Clifford Street)

From 5am to 6pm, many roads will be closed including:

Birmingham New Road (A4123) between A457 and A4037 (northbound only)

Wolverhampton Ring Road – between A449 – Stratford Road and Birmingham Road (A459)

The Broadway (A459)

Penn Road (A449) between Penn Road Island Pinfold Lane

Goldthorn Hill (A4039) between A449 and A459

Stourbridge Road (A449)

Tipton Street / Sedgley Road (A457) between A459 and A4123

There are also many roads which will be open, but with changed traffic conditions, including, from 5am to 6pm:

Waterloo Road / Ring Road St Peters (A4150)

Chapel Ash Island (Ring Road)

Wolverhampton Ring Road

Bilston St Island – Snow Hill (southbound) 

Parkfield Road (A4039) / Dudley Road (A459)

Sedgley Road West (A457) / Birmingham New Road (A4123)

Wolverhampton Road (A449) / B4176 (Himley)

A449 Roundabout (Wombourne)

For all Dudley road closures and those with changed traffic conditions, you can visit the affected roads section on this page of the Commonwealth Games site: https://www.birmingham2022.com/getset/dudley