
Midlands Metro Alliance
The challenge
Construction of the Edgbaston extension of the Birmingham Metro necessitated the closure of the Five Ways underpass. The impacts of this closure were likely to create significant congestion on the local road network. 4way were challenged to identify mitigation measures through amendments to local traffic signals settings which would minimise these impacts whilst construction work took place.

What we did
We undertook traffic signal design and traffic signal control strategy validation at Five Ways Roundabout and other local junctions.LinSig modelling was undertaken to inform the client which priority junctions could be converted to temporary traffic signal control using semi-permanent traffic signals, compliant with the TOPAS 2500 specification.
During implementation our validation team liaised frequently with Birmingham City Council Urban Traffic Control and the Transport for West Midlands Regional Transport Co-ordination Centre, providing hourly updates during peak periods regarding traffic conditions and changes made to the traffic signal timings.

Our results
Real time communication from site to control rooms enabled all parties to identify operational risks and rapidly mitigate them to maintain traffic flows. Significantly less congestion was experienced than initially anticipated and adverse reaction in the local press was avoided.
Project scope
- LinSig modelling
- Traffic signal detailed design
- Traffic signal control strategy validation
- Equipment supplier engagement
- Stakeholder engagement
- On site MOVA and VA validation team
To learn more about this project please contact Jonathan Goddard, Jason McNulty or Hardip Dhanda at info@4wayconsulting.com