A canal bridge has been removed from a main route through a Black Country town, marking the first phase of a £1.2 million project to improve the road.

The first major milestone of the 12-month scheme to replace the dilapidated canal bridge with a stronger structure on Bentley Road South, Walsall, has been completed.

Bosses claim that the work along the busy route between Darlaston and Bentley will “unlock the potential of Darlaston” by allowing heavier lorries to travel over the canal bridge.

The route will remain closed until next May while work to install the replacement bridge is completed.

The long-term aim is to allow HGVs weighing over the current 17-ton restriction to use the road.

The old graffiti-daubed structure has now been levelled before a replacement is installed.

Councillor Tom Ansell, cabinet member for transport, said: “The existing canal bridge in Bentley Road South was successfully demolished.

Specialist

“Work on the construction of the new bridge at this location is going well and is in line with the anticipated programme.”

The start of the scheme was held back by a month earlier this year as there was a wait for specialist staff to be available.

The road is now blocked at the bridge with drivers now being redirected along Willenhall Road and The Crescent.

It also means more vehicles are now using Wolverhampton Road West rather than Bentley Road South which is regularly used by lorries.

Bosses at Walsall Council have said although there is inconvenience to motorists it is a “monumental” project which will strengthen the canal bridge to help businesses who rely on heavy good vehicles.

Council chiefs have insisted the bridge has needed strengthening for a number of years and during the design process consultation has taken place with the owners of factories in the area.

Bosses said that the work would allow larger lorries of up to 40-tons to reach industrial sites in the town.