Bridge work to shut main Wolverhampton road

Demolition of a landmark bridge in Wolverhampton will begin later this month.

The bridge, which is on Oxley Moor Road, at the junction of Green Lane will be destroyed, with a seven day road closure in place, from July 25.

The work will take place on the old bridge. The current rail bridge in use is not affected.

Temporary traffic lights will then be in place on the road for a further three weeks from August 1.

The decision to remove the bridge was approved by Wolverhampton council in March over fears its derelict state could see it becoming a danger to the public.

Otherwise known as Barnhurst Underline Bridge, it is owned by Network Rail.

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The structure is part of the London North Western route, covering a distance of 44 miles and 154 yards.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "We will of course carry out the work quickly and safely ensuring that any disruption to the public is kept to an absolute minimum.

"We would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience while we carry out this work."

A council document on the demolition proposes conditions such as ensuring noise pollution is kept to a minimum while the work is carried out, and that heavy-duty vehicles do not damage the site.

It also states that 'stockpiles of soil and other potentially dusty materials' should be maintained properly.

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The document continues: "The site is close to a residential property therefore there is potential for disturbance from noise and dust during those works."

Councillor Jonathan Yardley, of Tettenhall Regis Ward, said: "This is a fairly substantial piece of work closing a main road for a week.

"That bridge used to be two lane carriageway, but a few years ago they reduced it down to single carriageway because lorries would get stuck there.

"I'm trying to find out whether, in demolishing the bridge, they can put it back to two single lanes of traffic and free up what has become quite a serious bottleneck."

A council spokesman said: "As always, our number one concern is public safety, and it is essential this derelict and disused railway bridge is demolished before it becomes unsafe.

"In order to carry this work out it means the road will be closed for a week from Monday, July 25 to Sunday, July 31.

"A diversion will be in force from Aldersley Road to Oxley Moor Road and vice versa during this period.

"From Monday, August 1 the road will reopen and temporary traffic lights will be put in place for a further three weeks while work is carried out to reinstate the area around the bridge."

There will be no pedestrian access while the work is carried out.