Watch: Preparations for arrival of huge beams at York's Bridge construction site in Walsall
It's ready, steady, go for the arrival of huge concrete beams being delivered for the £3 million York's Bridge replacement project in Walsall.
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A huge green crane is currently towering over Norton Road in Pelsall ahead of the arrival of the beams for the new structure being built to take the place of a former humpback bridge to take traffic over the Essington and Wyrley Canal.
Regular traffic is being diverted from the B4154 Norton Road and Lime Lane this week for the installation work for the new wider structure which will allow two-way traffic to comfortably pass for the first time.
The concrete cast beams are being transported over two days from a supply yard in Newark in Nottinghamshire.
In addition to the installation work, the contractors are also taking advantage of the road closure to carrying out widening work on part of the the nearby carriageway.
The old bridge was built in the mid-1800s, but due to deterioration is now subject to a 7.5 tonne weight limit which is less than the 44 tonnes required for lorries.
The work is being carried out by Telford-based contractor McPhillips which posted on Facebook: "The team is really excited as it's one of the biggest parts of the build!
"We've been putting the finishing touches on the bridge beam bearings. These are like cushions that sit under the main parts of a bridge to help them move slightly when necessary, such as when the weather changes. Clever stuff! "
Walsall Council's associate leader Adrian Andrew said: “This project was much needed to maintain local accessibility, replacing a bridge which was deteriorating.
“This is a critical point in the works and to maintain the safety of everyone traffic management arrangements and road closures will be put in place. Every effort will be made to ensure disruption and delays are kept to a minimum."
