New footbridge plans for Hednesford delayed

Contractors Amey have faced “difficulties” with some parts of the design of the Stafford Lane bridge and have put off installing it until October.

The work on behalf of Staffordshire County Council’s was meant to be started at the beginning of July.

The original footbridge was removed in October last year as part of the £200 million electrification plan to upgrade the Chase Line between Rugeley, Hednesford, Cannock and Walsall and provide faster, quieter trains.

The line opened in May as a result of a six year project.

Helen Fisher, cabinet member for highways and transport at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Due to a number of technical difficulties beyond their control, crews have had to postpone the installation of the new footbridge until the Autumn.

"The temporary traffic lights will remain in place to allow people to cross the road safely.”

Cannock Chase Council's Councillor Paul Woodhead, for Hednesford South Ward, said the bridge was scheduled to be replaced at Easter but was pushed back to May, then July and now October.

He said the temporary traffic lights on the road bridge will have been in place for a year by the time the new bridge is built.

He said: "It's frustrating, it's taking so long to come through.

"Late last year the original bridge was taken out as part of the electrification project.

"They've put temporary traffic lights on the road bridge. It's a bit of a main thorough fare as it's close to a traffic island so you get queues coming off the island at busy times.

"It was originally going to be done at Easter then it was put back to May, then July and now October.

"It's frustrating that it keeps being put back, even if it's for genuine reasons.

"It's frustrating for the communities locally, it's a busy road, particularly with the extra houses.

"In my mind it doesn't need to have taken this long.

"We will believe it will be built when it happens.

"But we are appreciative that we are being kept informed, even if it's bad news."