WORK has begun on a new two-way cycle route along a busy commuter route in Dudley.

The route will run along the A4123 in Dudley, between Castle Road and the Tipton Road Junction.

As part of the improvement work, a single lane of the Birmingham New Road is closed for around 50-metres near Woodcroft Avenue, for around three weeks to install underground infrastructure for a new Toucan pedestrian crossing.

The council has received £1.08million from the Government’s Active Travel Fund to finance the project to get people walking or cycling.

It is also expected to boost air quality and provide a direct link to Peggy's meadow footpath.

The work follows a public consultation earlier this year.

Councillor Damian Corfield, Dudley Council's cabinet member for highways and environment, said: "This is a fantastic piece of work and will open up many health benefits for people using that important commuter route.

"The Government has ring fenced this money to provide this specific scheme which will encourage walking and cycling and help to make our roads safer for everyone.

"We’re really pleased that the work has now begun and would encourage residents to check before they travel as delays and disruption can be inevitable."

Further highway improvement works will follow and will take place on the A4123, between the Tipton Road and Woodcroft Avenue junction, until summer 2024.