Morning Great Barr,
Welcome to your Friday update. If you’ve been stuck near the Scott Arms, Queslett Road, or the A34 this week, you aren’t imagining it — it really has been worse than usual.
I’ve been digging through council permit data and local authority updates to figure out what’s going on and when things might ease.
Here’s your 3-minute briefing for the weekend.
🚦 Traffic: What’s Actually Causing the Delays
Kingstanding Road (Tysoe Road junction)
A recent road traffic collision damaged the traffic lights at this junction, which is why temporary two-way signals are currently in place. These are expected to remain until April 18 while repairs are carried out.
Newton Road — Good News / Bad News
The good:
Sandwell Council bridge works on Newton Road wrapped up last night (April 3).
The bad:
A new permit shows electricity works causing a lane closure near Pear Tree Drive, currently scheduled to run until May 1.
Temporary signals at the Monksfield Avenue junction will remain until April 13, with further Openreach lane closures expected from April 15.
👉 In short: the bottleneck isn’t over yet — expect ongoing delays here over the next few weeks.
A34 (Walsall Road) — Ongoing Closures
Tree works between Scott Arms and Perry Barr are continuing until Friday, April 17.
When it’s worst:
Lane closures run from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM — expect the heaviest delays during these hours.
M6 & Upcoming Disruption
M6 J7–J8: Overnight closures (approx. 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM) continuing until April 15
Queslett Road: Lane closures expected from April 10 for guardrail works near Cotleigh Grove
🚨 Police & Safety: What’s Been Happening Locally
Local officers have been carrying out targeted enforcement across B43/B44 roads recently — and the results are worth noting.
During a joint operation with the fire service:
12 drivers were caught speeding in just two hours
One driver was recorded at 46mph in a 30 zone
A delivery driver had their vehicle seized due to no MOT, insurance, or licence
Police have also indicated increased plain-clothes patrols around busy retail areas following recent shoplifting concerns.
👉 Expect to see more of this activity in the coming weeks.
Meet the local team:
There’s a “Coffee and Connect” drop-in at Witton Lakes Eco Hub on Tuesday, April 7 at 11:00 AM if you want to raise any concerns or ask questions.
🐣 Easter & Local Updates
With schools breaking up, here are a few things happening locally:
Emergency Services Community Event: Tuesday, April 7 (from 3:30 PM) at McDonald’s, College Road (New Oscott)
Free Holiday Activities (HAF): Check your messages if your child is eligible for free school meals
Sandwell Valley Dog Fair: Sunday, April 19 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM), free entry
👉 Expect parks, shops, and main routes to be noticeably busier over the next two weeks.
📩 Over to you
Noticed something locally this week? Reply and let me know — the best tips make it into next week’s update.
Know someone in Great Barr who’d find this useful? Feel free to forward it on.
Stay patient out there this weekend — and enjoy the lighter evenings.
Great Barr Insider
greatbarrinsider.co.uk