Warning system to stop bridge crashes

A £52,000 warning system is to be installed on a blackspot bridge in the Black Country after more than 20 lorries crashed into it in five years.

High vehicles have repeatedly smashed into the 13ft-high tram bridge in Great Bridge Road, Tipton, despite signs warning drivers it is low. Sandwell Council and transport authority

Centro have now joined forces to buy a warning system to alert drivers, which is set to be installed next year. It involves an electronic beam linked to a flashing warning sign.

Centro spokesman Steve Swingler said today: "A beam will go across the road in advance of the bridge and when a vehicle breaks that beam because of its height, an electronic warning sign will flash up telling the driver that their vehicle is too high to pass under.

"Centro and Sandwell Council have each put £26,000 towards this project, which is about improving the safety of the road.

"We are now in the process of ordering and buying the system, which will be installed next year."

Several lorries have toppled over after crashing into the bridge, blocking the road for drivers and also causing delays to the Midland Metro which passes overhead.

The accidents cause chaos for motorists as busy Great Bridge Road links Tipton with Bilston.

Since December last year, there have been two incidents of lorries hitting the top of the bridge, one of which saw a lorry tip on to its side and spill 10 litres of engine oil across the road.

Sandwell Council's safer neighbourhoods boss Councillor Derek Rowley said it was vital something was done to solve the problem.

He said: "The bridge is the responsibility of Centro.

"However, we have a joint initiative with them to install new overhead monitors that, when a vehicle breaks the beam, a sign will light up to alert drivers of the height of the bridge. It is hoped it will be installed by early next year."

Councillor Rowley said the work would improve things for motorists, tram users and residents in Great Bridge Road who often end up blocked in by accidents.