Birmingham City Council has labelled the A38, a key road running through the heart of the city, as “noisy and pollutive,” describing it as a significant obstacle to residents and visitors. This assessment forms a central part of the council’s draft Local Plan, currently out for consultation, which envisages substantial changes to travel and infrastructure in Birmingham city centre over the next two decades.
The council has reiterated its longstanding intention to downgrade the A38 and mitigate the “severance” it causes within the city. Earlier in 2024, proposals were put forward to restrict motorists’ ability to join or leave the A38 at certain junctions, as part of efforts to limit private car access to the city centre and reduce traffic congestion.
According to the new 20-year blueprint, the city centre will be transformed by creating a cohesive network of pedestrianised streets, public spaces, and enhanced public transport and cycling infrastructure. The council emphasises that private vehicles will face limited access, with no through trips permitted, particularly focusing on the central section of the A38. Options under consideration include rerouting this section towards an upgraded ring road to ease city centre traffic pressure.
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The council highlights potential interventions ranging from installing new pedestrian crossings over the retained Queensway to replacing the Queensway flyover with a “greenway” prioritising walking and cycling. This greenway could significantly enhance the environment around St Chad’s Cathedral and unlock development opportunities in adjacent areas.
Another major proposal is the removal of the Lancaster Circus Flyover, which the council believes would provide substantial opportunities for urban development and improve connectivity across the city. The council stresses that bridging the A38 barrier is vital for better links between residents, businesses, and neighbouring districts such as the Jewellery Quarter, Curzon Gateway, and Birmingham Knowledge Quarter.
In line with this, plans are being developed to transform Snow Hill Station and its adjacent multi-storey car park into a major mixed-use destination and transport hub, which could stimulate regeneration on the northern side of the A38.
The council acknowledges existing issues with pedestrian crossings and underpasses around the A38, describing them as poor in standard and often perceived as unsafe. These problems will be addressed as part of the proposed improvements.
During the earlier 2024 consultation, the council reaffirmed that while access routes would change, all areas would remain reachable. The goal is to reduce congestion and initiate the process of downgrading the A38’s dominance. Emphasising the need to free space previously dedicated to private vehicles, the council stated, “We understand the city needs to keep moving and efficient access is essential to all.”