New bridge is awaiting final touches
Structural work on a multi-million pound footbridge was today nearing completion – but it will not open until next month as finishing touches are added.
The main steel sections for the footway above the Wyrley and Essington Canal in Wednesfield were completed at 5 last night.
British Waterways senior bid manager John Harris said today: "We now have to put the pathways into the park in, grass seedings and complete further work on the towpath. "On the bridge we have still got to do some painting and extra steel work and a gate. We are hoping to get it ready by mid -August."
A 130-ton crane was on site for several days this week to slot into place steelwork.
The work, which started on Monday, is part of a number of improvements being carried out in the Wednesfield area.
The bridge will link the town centre to Wednesfield Park.
The green spot has already seen a new skate park, footpaths, improvements to the play area, flower beds and replaced fencing.
The entire project, including the bridge, has cost £2 million.
British Waterways has designed, and is creating, the structure on behalf of Wolverhampton City Council, which has part-funded the scheme along with the European Union. The bridge is also funded by The Big Lottery Fund's Community Library pot.
It is being built on the corner of Rookery Street and Well Lane near Sainsbury's.
It is planned that the structure will be called the Trap Makers Bridge.
This will be in recognition of the town's history as a world centre for animal trap manufacturing.
