In June, the West Midlands Interchange project team met with members of the local community in Penkridge, Staffordshire for the quarterly Community Liaison Group (CLG). Providing project updates and a look ahead of upcoming work to keep the local community informed.

Our updates included construction, highways, planning, and social value.

Construction

We confirmed that construction continues under Infrastructure Works Package 1. The current scope includes completion of earthworks, retaining walls and screening bunds to the warehouses being built, hard landscaping to Calf Heath Community Park, continued drainage works and installation of permanent access roads.

The next stage of works is planned to start later this year, with the construction of the temporary Vicarage Road, installation of the Straight Mile drainage crossing, completion of an internal service road and commencement works on the A5 roundabout and Vicarage Road roundabout. It is expected that construction will also commence on the first warehouse. On the canal, the removal of piped bridges and access bridge will commence along with the construction of a new towpath and resurfacing the existing towpath in the area.

Highways

We gave an update on the construction of the new A449 northbound and southbound laybys. We anticipate that traffic management in the area will be removed by mid-August. This includes plans to plant new trees and hedgerows, compensating for any loss of vegetation.

Planning

We are currently developing designs an access road, the Spine Road (south), Link Road East and the A5 roundabout. The Link Road West, including bridges over the railway and canal, Vicarage Road and the parallel temporary road, plus the 50 series access have been submitted to the local councils and technical stakeholders for consent.

Design work continues on the community parks, with dialogue with the local authority feeding into evolving planting specifications. Meanwhile, permissions to construct the paths in the parks is part of the earthworks consent and has begun.

Social value

In addition to continuing employment for five apprentices, primarily through the main contractor Winvic, WMI is providing work experience placements for four students in June/July; has delivered numerous community activities, including environmental activities at Perton library, supporting World Book Day, running a naming competition for the tunnel boring machine and continuing with volunteer curriculum engagement support through a range of activities including mock interviews at Staffordshire University Academy, careers fairs, site visits and T-level placements.

Community Parks

Both Calf Heath and Croft Lane Community Park design plans are progressing well, covering hard and soft landscaping and the planting of up to 200 black poplar saplings propagated from the last remaining tree on the site. Prior to the CLG, we held a meeting with Croft Lane residents to discuss aspects of the Croft Lane Country Park design including access, fencing and security.

Community Bridge Designs

As part of the development, we will construct a bridge over the Worcestershire Canal. Designs for the bridge were presented to attendees. To deter vandalism, we are planning to install Corten steel fencing on either side of the bridge. We are working with a local steel artist as part of the plans and are seeking feedback from the community on which canal or woodland animal scene and themed word art they would like to see.

To submit feedback on the bridge, or contact us about other project matters, please contact us:

Email: contactus@communityrelations.co.uk

Telephone: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm on our freephone number 0800 377 7345