Birmingham drivers set for more misery as bridge closes for eight months

BIRMINGHAM City Council is bracing motorists for additional problems over and above those on the A38 (M) Aston Expressway when a second set of major roadworks is introduced next month.

Road orders affecting the Expressway come into force next week and motorists have been warned to expect disruption for up to seven months on the main route between the city centre and the M6.

Now the local authority has warned about additional problems affecting the local road network when the bridge that connects Jenkins Street and Kendal Road over the A45 Small Heath Highway is closed to traffic for eight months.

The bridge, which is an important link for traffic travelling between the city and Birmingham Airport, will be completely closed to vehicles from Monday July 4 so that strengthening work can take place.

The 110-year-old bridge has not had any work carried out on it for 25 years and engineers are concerned the volume of traffic it now has to cope with is putting a severe strain on the structure.

The works will include the replacement of existing wrought iron safety fencing, as well as the replacement of the bridge joints and upgrades to the street lighting. Further works will be carried out in collaboration with Network Rail and will involve general maintenance to the underside of the section of the bridge which carries the road over the railway.

A signed diversion will be in place via Montgomery Street, Anderton Road, Golden Hillock Road, Cooksey Road, Keats Avenue and Bolton Road, however motorists have been advised to plan ahead and use the alternative routes.