While we’ve reported recently on construction work elsewhere on the West Midlands Metro network, the extension through to Brierley Hill is at a much earlier stage with more concentration on removing redundant structures at this point. The next structure to be removed will be an old railway bridge in Coneygree Road, Tipton.
The work to remove the bridge is due to begin on Monday 12th October when a three week project will begin to clear overgrowth to enable access to the area before the bridge is taken down. A localised road closure will be needed for up to six weeks on Coneygree Road and Victoria Road between the junctions of Peel Street and Tudor Street.
Cllr Jackie Taylor, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport, said: “It is great to see so much progress being made on the new metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill. These bridge works will bring this much-needed route closer to fruition which is exciting for both residents and businesses alike, particularly when you consider the boost in investment and regeneration it will bring to Sandwell. The route will support those in Tipton and surrounding areas making it easier for people to travel around the region using a sustainable mode of transport. As there may be some localised travel disruption during these works, we encourage people in the area to plan their journeys or where possible consider walking or cycling as an alternative.”
Ian Collins, Project Direct of the Midland Metro Alliance, added: “That we are getting ready to demolish yet another major structure along the Wednesbury Brierley Hill Metro extension is a clear sign that construction is moving ahead at pace. The bridge is being replaced so that it can meet the needs of a modern light rail network. This is an exciting time for the project and it is fantastic that people can now see these works progressing in their local area. This route is much-anticipated by the people of Sandwell and Dudley due to the improved connectivity it will provide to the those in the area and we will continue to liaise with businesses and residents as our works ramp up.”
This bridge will subsequently be replaced by a new structure later in the project. This will be the second old railway bridge to be removed and follows on from another structure, also in Tipton, which was taken down during August. It too will be replaced by a new bridge at a later date.
It will be a while before trams start running on the extension with 2023 currently set as the date for the start of services between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill.