Six weeks of public consultation have begun in the West Midlands on a plan to introduce £3.4Bn worth of transport improvements over the next decade.

 

The 2026 draft delivery plan sets out a series of tram extensions, new suburban rail lines, cycle routes and motorway improvements. Local people have until 9 June to comment.

 

Transport for West Midlands managing director Laura Shoaf said: “This plan aims to prioritise the building of those schemes that can best underpin and support wider goals for economic growth, housing and skills.

 

“It’s about which schemes should be built and when, so that we secure the biggest bang for our buck and have the right transport infrastructure in place to maximize the already significant economic benefits of High Speed 2.”

 

The draft 2026 Delivery Plan is the initial 10 year programme for the West Midlands Combined Authority’s longer term strategic transport plan ‘Movement for Growth, which sets out a 20 year vision and overall strategic approach to improving the regional network.

 

One group to welcome the launch of the consultation is the Black Country Consortium, which champions local growth and investment. Its chief executive Sarah Middleton said: “I would urge members of the public to have their say on the £3.4Bn plans.

“The Black Country is already tackling congestion investing in interchange improvements, new transport hubs and an active travel network. Through working in partnership the Delivery Plan for Transport will enable us to continue to grow our economy ensuring greater connectivity for businesses and people.”

 

Schemes to be built over the coming decade include:

 

Birmingham

Coventry

Dudley and Sandwell

Solihull

Walsall

Wolverhampton