Busy Black Country route set to be closed for 21 weeks

A BUSY road in the Black Country is set to close for 21 weeks at the end of the month after engineers identified a bridge section needing urgent repairs.

Pinfold Bridge carries Lichfield Road over the Wyrley and Essington Canal at Wednesfield. It is one of the busiest routes between Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire and is heavily used by traffic connecting the M6 as well as local commuter traffic.

City of Wolverhampton Council said the road would shut on Wednesday November 30 and remain closed to traffic and pedestrians for around 21 weeks to allow repairs to be carried out.

“The condition of the bridge has deteriorated and it needs to be reconstructed to avoid having to impose further weight restrictions on it. This would have a detrimental impact on traffic in and out of Wednesfield town centre, in particular on public transport and service vehicles,” said the council.
 
“The bridge and a 20-metre stretch either side of it will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians for around 21 weeks. This will be dependent on the progress of the works and winter weather conditions.”
 
Diversions will be in operation, with vehicles redirected along Lichfield Road (B4484), Lakefield Road (A4124), Wednesfield Way, and Neachells Lane, and vice versa.
 
The pedestrian diversion route will follow Taylor Street, Wednesfield Park, Nordley Road, South Avenue, Graiseley Lane, Church Street and High Street, and vice versa. There will be temporary night time lighting in place through Wednesfield Park for the duration of the works.
 
Transport for the West Midlands has been informed of the closure and will be putting in place temporary bus stops at alternative locations for the duration of the works.
 
Cllr Steve Evans, Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for city environment, said: “The condition of the bridge has dictated this work on Pinfold Bridge must be carried out now.
 
“Investigations have shown that water has corroded the beams of the bridge and part of the brickwork has cracked.
 
“Replacing the bridge is much more cost effective and absolutely essential if we are to keep Wednesfield town centre moving and easily accessible for people.”