New bridge to be a cut above

Work is well under way on installing a new canal bridge along a main road through Walsall as part of a £1.2 million scheme.

Foundations are now being put in place for the structure in Bentley Road South, Darlaston, after the old bridge was demolished.

The 12-month scheme to install a stronger bridge started in May and the road will remain closed while work is carried out.

The previous graffiti-daubed structure was levelled in the summer and preparation work has been carried out over the last few months. Contractors are now pushing ahead with putting a new stronger one in place which Walsall Council says will help "unlock the potential of Darlaston."

Improvements along the busy route between Darlaston and Bentley aim to allow heavier lorries than 17 tons to travel over the canal bridge.

The start of the scheme was held back by a month earlier this year as there was a wait for specialist staff to be available.

Traffic is currently being diverted along Willenhall Road and The Crescent.