I drove along the 'most confusing' Midland junction and have this piece of advice

The A449 mini roundabout junction in Wall Heath
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


As junctions go, this is one of the more peculiar ones you'll come across. Two mini roundabouts located close together, just metres apart, where four roads merge.

The slightly staggered positions of the little white islands can make it confusing for drivers. Once they navigate one roundabout, they immediately have to cross another.

If you're curious about this small junction, you can find it along the A449 in Wall Heath. The A449 High Street meets the two mini roundabouts from the north and south.

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From the west merges Enville Road onto the southern roundabout, while the B4175 Dudley Road merges with the northern island from the east. In between is a tiny strip of the High Street.

It's not so much as a problem when the roads are clear. But in rush hour it can be tricky, particularly with cars turning in different directions. You have to ensure you're alert and pay attention to people's indicators.

For example, if you're entering the junction from the north and want to turn right onto Enville Road, you have to ensure traffic coming from the opposite direction gives way and doesn't cut you up. The same can be said for the opposite direction, when you're turning right off the High Street onto Dudley Road.

I've drove this island many times and while many times and while most drivers are patient, there are instances when cars quickly cut across. Adding to the obstacles is a set of traffic lights located just below the southern mini roundabout.

If the lights go red, traffic can get backed up causing island to get blocked up. If you're ever driving along this peculiar little junction, my best advice is to stay alert and anticipate the actions of drivers around you.