Walsall bridge work delayed for two months
A well-used route into Walsall town centre is to remain closed to motorists for another two months because of bridge work delays.
The North Street bridge has been shut as part of a £30 million scheme towards the electrification of the Chase Line.
It needs to be rebuilt to accommodate overhead power lines for the project between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley.
The route has been completely shut since the start of the year and was due to have been finished in September. However, signage has been put up warning it will remain closed until November.
Network Rail spokesman Jon Crampton said: "We apologise for the delay in reopening North Street.
"We are doing all we can to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible and are in regular contact with the local authority regarding the project and our progress.
"We are working towards reopening the road at the beginning of December."
The route is well used by traffic going to the Butts, town centre and as a short cut to Goscote.
Blakenall councillor Pete Smith said it was causing traffic problems in and around the town centre.
"It is very disappointing," he said. "It is causing diversions which is then leading to traffic build up, particularly at peak times in Littleton Street.
"The queues can be horrendous. It is bad news, it is going on longer than we thought. It is a useful short cut and not being available it is building up traffic elsewhere."
A new bridge built in Broad Lane, Essington, as part of the project was also also hit by delays last year.
There are further plans to rebuild a third bridge at Park Street in Walsall town centre.
The overall electrification project between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley is earmarked for completion by the end of 2017.
Network Rail is electrifying 15 miles of railway between Walsall, Hednesford and Rugeley Trent Valley to provide a cleaner, and more regular train service for passengers on the Chase Line. Trains will speed up from 45mph to 70mph.
