A range of significant changes are being proposed across Birmingham city centre as part of Phase Two of the Sprint Bus project, aimed at improving public transport links between Walsall, Birmingham, and Solihull. The West Midlands Combined Authority has launched a consultation seeking public feedback on plans that include new Sprint bus shelters, dedicated bus lanes, and enhancements to pedestrian pathways and road infrastructure to ease congestion and improve safety. Residents have until 2 May to submit their views on the proposals, which form part of a wider vision to enhance public transport and reduce journey times.
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The Sprint corridor will feature a combination of bus-only lanes and priority signals at junctions and traffic lights to ensure more efficient and reliable services. Originally intended to be completed ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the scheme faced delays, with Phase One — focusing on the A45 and A34 — completed in June 2022. Phase Two is now underway, with work progressing on the Solihull leg and plans for the Birmingham and Walsall sections in the pipeline, pending the outcome of the consultation.
In Birmingham, proposed works include a new southbound Sprint shelter on James Watt Queensway, a bus gate at Steelhouse Lane, and major upgrades along Corporation Street — such as a widened pavement, new pedestrian crossing, and revised parking arrangements including a new loading zone and disabled parking. Additional improvements are set for Lancaster Street and Lancaster Circus, with new shelters, bus-only underpass access, and safer pedestrian crossings. Similar upgrades are planned for Moor Street Queensway, The Priory Queensway, and Park Street, near the Bullring.
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Finally, Coventry Road near Bordesley Railway Station is also set to benefit, with the addition of a southbound Sprint shelter and a new totem display providing real-time travel information for northbound passengers. If the consultation is approved, works in Birmingham could begin later this year, followed by the Walsall leg. The project is part of the region’s commitment to sustainable transport, aiming to offer cleaner, faster, and more connected public travel options for the future.
