Road closures on landmark Pelsall bridge set to be partially lifted in time for the festive season

The milestone for the £3m York’s Bridge project will allow the existing road closure to be lifted and will see traffic movement across the newly constructed bridge. 

Known locally as the 'Fingerpost Bridge', work on it was proposed in 2020 when Walsall Council reported it was 'deteriorating' and becoming 'unsafe'.

The new bridge runs parallel to the historic York’s Bridge and is designed to improve safety, access and long-term resilience along this key route. 

The completion date for the project of March next year has been impacted by ecological requirements and permit approvals - the existing road closure has been in place since September 29.

Remaining works include finishing footways, installing lighting, signage, safety fencing, and completing final surfacing and landscaping.  

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council said, “I am very pleased we are now in a position to lift this road closure and get traffic moving again.“

"The closure was vital to ensure the safety of residents, workers and road users while construction took place. 

"I appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding around the disruption. We are now in the home stretch of this project, which will bring long-term benefits for local communities and everyone who uses this key route.”  

The new bridge represents a major infrastructure investment for Pelsall and will help preserve the historic York’s Bridge by removing heavy traffic from the original structure, improving access and connectivity for years to come. 

The project will also deliver parking bays to improve access to Pelsall North Common, as well as two ponds and 540 trees planted as saplings.