ANITA Scheme Elements
More information about the different element of the ANITA scheme.
1 Station Way
Introduction of a segregated left turn lane on the approach arm from the Station and additional carriageway on the approach arm from the A45 Roundabout (B4438 Bickenhill Lane). This is part of the general bus priority measures aimed at improving bus journey times and reliability.
Additional carriageway width has been built at the junction by using existing highway land. This required the construction of a sheet piled retaining wall and diversion of a watercourse into a culvert.
2 Vanguard Way Link
A new bus only link between Vanguard Way and Bickenhill Lane (B4438). This is roughly opposite the link between Bickenhill Lane and Birmingham International Train Station and to the south of the railway line and airport access route
The aim of this link is to reduce the length of bus journeys and improve journey times.
3 Bickenhill Lane (B4438) (north of railway line)
This is the largest highway scheme associated with the ANITA Project and is part of the general bus priority measures aimed at improving bus journey times and reliability.
Provision of bus lanes both variable and permanent is now provided on Bickenhill Lane from where it passes over the railway to its junction with Coleshill Heath Road. The variable bus lanes are the first to be operated as such in the UK.
Bus priority at the junction of Coleshill Heath Road and Bickenhill Parkway
Junction arrangements remains as roundabouts.
Provision of high quality shared footway / cycleways along the length of this section, the facilities linking to existing cycle routes.
Toucan crossings have been provided either side of the roundabout providing access to the Elmdon Trading Estate, to the south of the Starley Way Roundabout, and across Coleshill Heath at its junction with Bickenhill Parkway.
Variable message signs have been erected to inform motorists of times when the variable bus lanes are in use and CCTV cameras will be used to monitor and implement their operation.
4 Cycling and Walking Routes
This includes new and upgraded cycle routes within the area of the NEC and Birmingham Airport linking into existing routes routes to Marston Green, Chelmsley Wood and Solihull Town Centre.
The new routes link employment zones (i.e. Birmingham Airport and NEC) with existing residential areas to the north, south and west.
The cycling and walking proposals have been developed through the Vulnerable Road Users Sub Group which reports to the Stakeholder Group. The group has a wide representation including Sustrans and cycling groups.
5 Coleshill Heath Road
A toucan crossing to link with the route through Birmingham Business Park has been installed at COleshill Heath Road.
6 Marston Green
Over the past few years CENTRO have progressed detailed work on the improvement of the existing facility at Marston Green rail interchange. This includes for a park and ride, re-aligned parking facilities at the station, and the moving of bus stops closer to the station building.
The ANITA scheme explored opportunities to ensure that all local issues have been addressed. The conclusion was that the ANITA scheme would not include any works here.
7 Bus Corridors
In order to ensure that the scheme delivers coordinated benefits for the bus corridor network there was scope to provide measures along a number of key bus routes, including bus priority and new/additional shelters with clearly defined pedestrian links.
Bus infrastructure improvements have been made to the enhanced routes that will improve the connectivity between the NEC/BIA and its employees, as well as creating employment opportunities for other areas of low employment.
8 Multi Modal Interchange
This will deliver an improved environment for passengers using Birmingham International Station.
To improve accessibility and connectivity to the NEC, Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International Station with residential areas the scheme has ensured that as many services as possible have been extended beyond Coleshill Heath Road to the Multi Modal Interchange.
9 Intelligent Transport Systems
These form part of the Bickenhill Lane works
9.1 Dynamic Bus Lanes
The bus lanes on Bickenhill Lane are dynamically controlled so that they can be turned off during times of excess traffic flow e.g. during a major event at the NEC, to provide an extra running lane that will reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability for motorists.
The operational status of the bus lane i.e. whether it is switched on or off will be communicated to drivers via variable message signs located along Bickenhill Lane.
Monitoring of traffic flow and the bus lanes will be done remotely using traffic monitoring cameras located at strategic places along Bickenhill Lane.
9.2 Real Time Information (RTI)
Provision of real time information signs at selective bus shelters along key routes.
Working with CENTRO to determine priorities on key routes to deliver RTI
RTI has been provided at the Multi-Modal Interchange (MMI) and also within the baggage reclaim areas at Terminal 1 and 2 of the Airport
An interactive display setup is also being provided on the first floor of the MMI further assisting passengers with public transport information.
9.3 Selective Vehicle Detection
Provision of Selective Vehicle Detection (SVD) through the use of inductive loop technology at the following key junctions within the Borough of Solihull
- Coleshill Heath Road - Bickenhill Parkway
- Vanguard Way onto Bickenhill Lane
- Lode Lane - Moat Lane
- Lode Lane - Solihull Bypass
- Station Approach - Ashleigh Road
- Damson Parkway - Land Rover Gate
- A45 - Damson Parkway
- Streetsbrook Road - Lode Lane
- Dovehouse Lane - Lode Lane
SVD will help to improve journey time reliability for buses by giving them priority at traffic signals on key bus corridors.