No West Midlands Metro trams into Wolverhampton as Bilston bridge demolished
Tram services through the Black Country are being disrupted while an “unsafe” bridge is demolished to make way for a refurbished footbridge.
No West Midlands Metro services are running in either direction between Wolverhampton city centre and Wednesbury Parkway while the old Arthur Street road bridge is knocked down in Bilston throughout this week.
Work started on Saturday and tram services between the two stops will be halted until June 7.
The crumbling old road bridge, which has been shut to cars for more than 20 years, is being removed and the footbridge built over the top is being refurbished.
Tram passengers will be forced to use buses, trains or cars during the work, while the bridge is out of action for pedestrians until August with people being diverted via The Crescent.
Tram tickets and passes will be accepted on National Express bus service 79 between West Bromwich and Wolverhampton, with the 79A stopping specifically at the affected tram stops.
Tickets will also be accepted on West Midlands Railway services between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, however no trains are running between the two cities on June 6.
Ross Cook, director for city housing and environment at Wolverhampton Council, said: “We will be carrying out essential work to remove an unsafe brick bridge and refurbish the modern footbridge. Our routine inspections revealed that the old bridge is crumbling and is in desperate need of replacement before it deteriorates any further.
“The works will affect West Midlands Metro services for a short period of time, but every effort is being made to minimise disruption. Passengers that are planning to use the tram are being advised to use West Midlands Railway or National Express service 79, along the section of the route that is affected.
“We are also aware that a number of people use the footbridge and we will make sure alternative routes for pedestrians are clearly marked. We have chosen to do these works during the half-term school holidays to help minimise disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience they may cause.”
Wolverhampton Council received funding to demolish the bridge last year as part of a £100 million package from the Department for Transport being shared across the country.
