Traffic chaos on the way as Wednesfield bridge to be rebuilt
Traffic chaos is set to hit Wednesfield and ambulance trips to New Cross Hospital could be affected when a bridge on a major route closes for five months.
Pinfold Bridge in Wednesfield, which is near the busy Bentley Bridge Retail Park, will be knocked down and rebuilt after it was found that beams had been corroded by water and brickwork had cracked. It will close to vehicles and pedestrians from November 30.
The bridge, known locally as Gregory's Bridge, carries the Lichfield Road over the Wyrley and Essington Canal.
The bridge and a 20m stretch either side of it will be closed for around 21 weeks.
The condition of the bridge has deteriorated to such an extent that it needs to be reconstructed to avoid having to impose further weight restrictions on it, which would have a detrimental impact on traffic in and out of Wednesfield town centre and on public transport and service vehicles.
Temporary bus stops will be in place at alternative locations for the duration of the work.
Wednesfield South Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal said: "It will be difficult because it's a major route to get to and from Wednesfield.
"It gets very busy. There are other routes so hopefully the diversions will work well."
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton council cabinet member for city environment, said: "The condition of the bridge has dictated this work on Pinfold Bridge must be carried out now.
"Investigations have shown that water has corroded the beams of the bridge and part of the brickwork has cracked.
"Replacing the bridge is much more cost effective and absolutely essential if we are to keep the town centre moving and easily accessible for people.
"Safe diversionary routes will be put in place for both vehicles and pedestrians throughout the duration of the works.
"I apologise in advance for any inconvenience this causes and would urge people to remain patient while we carry out these essential works."
Bosses have planned to have the work completed in 21 weeks, but dates will be dependent on the progress of the works and winter weather conditions.
Diversions will be in operation, with vehicles redirected along Lichfield Road (B4484), Lakefield Road (A4124), Wednesfield Way, and Neachells Lane, and vice versa.
The pedestrian diversion route will follow Taylor Street, Wednesfield Park, Nordley Road, South Avenue, Graiseley Lane, Church Street and High Street, and vice versa. There will be temporary night time lighting in place through Wednesfield Park for the duration of the works.
