£3.37m bridge repair project to begin next week

A major project to repair and improve a bridge in Great Barr will begin next week.

The £3.37m project on Scott Bridge, Newton Road, will begin from 17 May and will last 43 weeks.

The scheme will involve lane closures on the dual carriageway near Monksfield Avenue and traffic management throughout the project, which should be completed in March 2022.

The work is being funded by £2.999m from the Department for Transport Bridges Challenge Fund and £371,000 from Sandwell Council.

The scheme will involve repairs to the bridge deck and structure, waterproofing, new road surfacing and white lines, and the bridge parapets will also be upgraded.

The bridge, which takes the Newton Road over the Tame Valley Canal, last underwent major repairs around 30 years ago.

The project is being carried out by R&C Williams.

Sandwell Council’s deputy leader Cllr Maria Crompton said: “This is a major piece of work to make vital repairs to the bridge and we apologise for any inconvenience it may cause to residents and drivers.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport Cllr Jackie Taylor said: “We’ll be working closely with the contractor to monitor the work and keep any disruption to an absolute minimum.

“I am delighted that this major work is finally taking place our bridges need to be safe as well as our roads. I understand that there will be some frustration during this time.
“I would encourage you all to give yourselves extra time for travelling of consider different modes of transport for your journey.”