Busy Staffordshire-Birmingham commuter road to close for two weeks for bridge beam work

Construction work is gathering pace to replace Pelsall's historic humpback York's Bridge with a new wider structure straddling the Essington and Wyrley Canal in Norton Road.

The next stage will be the arrival of the huge beams on Thursday and Friday this week which will see the B4154, a commuter link between Cannock and Birmingham closed temporarily.

On completion the new bridge which is being built at a cost of £3million will carry two-way traffic and a footpath. 

Walsall Council said Lime Lane and Norton Road will be shut from today (10) until March 21, meaning there will be no access to these roads at any time throughout this period. 

A signposted traffic diversion will be in place while the beam delivery and installation is carried out by Telford-based contractor McPhillips.   

 Associate council leader Councillor Adrian Andrew said: “This project was much needed to maintain local accessibility, replacing a bridge which was deteriorating.  

 “This is a critical point in the works and to maintain the safety of everyone traffic management arrangements and road closures will be put in place. Every effort will be made to ensure disruption and delays are kept to a minimum.  

 “I would like to thank all residents in advance for their patience as the works commence.” 

The council said the temporary closure will also be used to allow for the excavation and widening of the northeast carriageway of the site. 

 The concrete cast beams will be transported from the supply yard in Newark in Nottinghamshire to the site.

The old bridge dates back to the mid-1800s, but due to deterioration is now subject to a 7.5 tonne weight limit which is less than the 44 tonnes required for lorries. 

Some residents have complained that a new bridge would lead to an increase in traffic in Pelsall describing Norton Road as 'rat-run' for commuters heading to Birmingham. 

 Work on the new bridge is due to be completed later this year.