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Month-long closure for historic Wombourne bridge as repair works get underway

The Grade II-listed Wodehouse Bridge will be closed for a month for refurbishment works.

By Daniel Walton
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Staffordshire County Council has announced that the 18th century Wodehouse Bridge, on Wodehouse Lane, Wombourne, will be closed for refurbishment works.

The works will take place in two phases, with the first phase already beginning on Monday (July 21).

In the first phase, crews will investigate the bridge's structural integrity, including the bridge deck and utilities, as well as 'crack stitch' using stainless steel ties and repoint the bridge with lime mortar.

Phase one of the works will take place over a four-week period, with phase two set to take place in 2026, with exact dates yet to be confirmed.

Wodehouse Bridge
Wodehouse Bridge

The A463 Wodehouse Lane will be closed for the duration of the works, with a number of diversions already in place. 

A Staffordshire County Council spokesperson said: "Together with Amey, we will be carrying out bridge refurbishment works (phase 1) at Wodehouse Bridge, A463 Wodehouse Lane, Wombourne.

"The bridge is a Grade II listed, masonry arch structure constructed in the 18th century and refurbishment works are proposed to maintain its structural performance and integrity."

Diversions

When approaching from the west to A463 Wodehouse Lane

Continue north at Battlefield Roundabout along A449 Stourbridge Road for approximately 1.6km

  • At the roundabout, take the third exit onto A449 Penn Road, continue for approximately 2.6km

  • At the junction, turn right onto A4039 Goldthorn Hill, continue for approximately 1.4km

  • At the junction, turn right onto A459 Wolverhampton Road East continue for approximately 3.0km

  • At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Gospel End Street, continue for approximately 0.4km

  • Continue onto A463 Gospel End Road for approximately 1.4km

  • At Gospel End the A463 Gospel End becomes A463 Wodehouse Lane

When approaching from the east the above diversion route applies in reverse.

Plans for the second phase of the works are yet to be announced.