Work on Metro route continues with removal of another major structure

Work on the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will accelerate further next month when the demolition of another major structure along the route gets underway.

Progress on the project has continued through the summer and the upcoming demolition of the redundant railway bridge in Coneygree Road, Tipton will mark another step forward, following the removal of a similar structure along the disused South Staffordshire Railway line, in August.

Work to remove the bridge are set to start on Monday 12 October, when the extension’s construction team will begin a three-week project to clear overgrowth to enable access to the area before the bridge is taken down.

A new, purpose-built structure will be installed later in the construction programme.

In order to allow the works to take place, a localised road closure, for a period of up to six weeks, is required on Coneygree Road and Victoria Road between the junctions of Peel Street and Tudor Street.

Cllr Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport, said: “It is great to see so much progress being made on the new metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill. These bridge works will bring this much-needed route closer to fruition which is exciting for both residents and businesses alike, particularly when you consider the boost in investment and regeneration it will bring to Sandwell. The route will support those in Tipton and surrounding areas making it easier for people to travel around the region using a sustainable mode of transport. As there may be some localised travel disruption during these works, we encourage people in the area to plan their journeys, or where possible consider walking or cycling as an alternative.”

Ian Collins, project director for the Midland Metro Alliance, added: “That we are getting ready to demolish yet another major structure along the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension is a clear sign that construction is moving ahead at pace. The bridge is being replaced so that it can meet the needs of a modern light rail network. This is an exciting time for the project and it is fantastic that people can now see these works progressing in their local area. This route is much-anticipated by the people of Sandwell and Dudley due to the improved connectivity it will provide to the those in the area and we will continue to liaise with businesses and residents as our works ramp up.”

The Midland Metro Alliance, the organisation planning and constructing the route on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), has been working with Sandwell council and local residents to keep those in the area informed of the upcoming works.

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