This bridge is an important link in the local road network carrying the Lichfield Road over the Wyrley and Essington Canal.
The condition of the bridge had deteriorated and needed reconstruction to avoid having to impose further weight restrictions on it. This would have had a detrimental impact on traffic in and out of Wednesfield town centre, in particular on public transport and service vehicles.
The work carried out over the last 6 months will extend the life of the bridge for at least another 120 years, maintaining access to the town centre for future generations.
While the bridge remains closed to traffic over the next few weeks, the council will make some additional improvements to the surrounding area, including installing new and repainting guard rails, as well as resurfacing the junction with Neachells Lane and the High Street. This will avoid further disruption to the town centre in the future.
Public transport will return to normal from 7 July.
City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Environment, Councillor Steve Evans, said: "The condition of the bridge dictated this work had to be carried out as a matter of urgency - and it is now safe and secure for many decades to come.
"Adverse weather conditions and the identification of further structural defects resulted in the works taking longer than anticipated.
"We worked hard with the businesses and residents throughout the project to lessen the impact of the works on them and I would like to thank people for their patience."
Further work on the bridge will continue after 7 July - but this is anticipated to have minimal impact on traffic and pedestrian movements.
- released: Thursday 15 June, 2017