Plans for an £83 million congestion-busting upgrade of one of Birmingham’s most complained-about roundabouts have been launched by city transport chiefs.

Council bosses want to bring in expert consultants to draw up the business case and blueprints for a major overhaul of the horrendously congested Bromford Island.

It is a major bottleneck in the city’s road network, handling a whopping 56,000 vehicles a day.

Traffic is frequently backed up in all directions to Hodge Hill, Erdington, and along the A47 Fort Parkway.

It has faced increasing congestion recently with traffic using it to avoid roadworks at Spaghetti Junction and on the Aston Expressway.

Bromford Island which may have a revamp.

A report to Birmingham City Council’s cabinet said: “Bromford Gyratory is one of the most congested major junctions in Birmingham and the subject of the greatest number of complaints from businesses, local residents, public transport operators, councillors and MPs.”

Local councillor Majid Mahmood (Lab, Hodge Hill) said: "It is a nightmare. We need a long term meaningful solution to one of the most congested roads in this city."

The city council is planning some small scale upgrades in the next year, including re-phasing traffic lights and re-aligning lanes - but this will only have a modest impact on the site.

Bromford Island

It has now prepared an initial £1.5 million bid to carry out traffic and geographical surveys, draw up blueprints and build the business case for an £83 million bid to the Government for a major revamp.

This is likely to include creating two smaller roundabouts, increasing the number of approach lanes and slip roads, remodelling traffic signals and creating safer cycle and pedestrian routes.

The aim is to clear a major blockage on the road network to the east of the city, especially as traffic is due to increase as Jaguar Land Rover further expands and the HS2 train depot arrives at Washwood Heath.

Labour cabinet member for roads Cllr Stewart Stacey said: “Everyone who visits the east of Birmingham knows about the problems with Bromford Gyratory.”

He said the council was asking for the £1.5 million to design a scheme and prepare the ground for the £83 million bid.