Canal users are being advised to plan ahead when a number of waterways across Sandwell are closed over the coming months to allow for construction of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension.
Sections of the Tame Valley, Walsall and Old Main Line Canal are set to close to both boat and towpath traffic during the autumn and winter as preliminary works for the tramway project continues.
The closures will take place to enable the Midland Metro Alliance, working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, to carry out structural assessments and bridge replacements on three structures along the 11 kilometre route to ensure they can meet the needs of a modern light rail network.
Ian Collins, Midland Metro Alliance Project Director for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, said: “We recognise that there will be some disruption to those who use the canals and towpaths and have been working closely with the Canal & River Trust to communicate the closure to those who use it. We have scheduled this activity during the autumn and winter months when we know usage of our historical waterways are generally lighter in order that we minimise the impact of boaters and those walking along the towpath. These bridge works are essential to ensure that they can meet the Metro’s future operational requirements. It is great that the people of Sandwell can now see construction for this highly-anticipated route beginning to ramp up in what is an exciting time for the project.”
The first canal closure will get underway in the vicinity of Walsall Canal Bridge between early November and December 2020, with the towpath in this area also closing to pedestrians during this time. A handy diversion route for cyclists and pedestrians is available for this closure here.
Following this, in the new year, Tame Valley Canal and towpath will close from early January 2021 to early February 2021. Finally, the Old Main Line Canal in Tipton will close, from February until mid-March 2021 when all of the work on the canals in this area is expected to be completed. The towpath along this canal will close February until April. Further diversion maps will be made available closer to the works taking place.
People living or travelling through the area are also being advised that they may notice the movement of construction machinery ahead of construction taking place and the alliance’s dedicated stakeholder liaison team will be writing to those in the immediate area who may use the towpaths.
Adnan Saif, Regional Director for the Canal & River Trust in the West Midlands, said: “We fully support these works to strengthen and replace structures along our waterways for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension. I have no doubt that the Metro will bring more visitors to our amazing canal network, while also providing another form of sustainable travel to our many users with stops planned just a stone’s throw away from some of the area’s most popular attractions. The canals in the West Midlands are an historic legacy and vital part of the regional infrastructure providing unique spaces for people to enjoy and improve their wellbeing. We will continue to work with the Midland Metro Alliance to ensure that boaters and local residents are familiar with the plans and alternative waterway routes and facilities.”
The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will boost public transport in the Black Country, providing much-needed links to the existing heavy and light rail networks, and helping connect people to education, training and career opportunities further afield in the West Midlands.
The extension will also play its part in helping to regenerate the Sandwell, Dudley and Brierley Hill areas, making it more attractive to investors and providing easy access to the region’s many and varied attractions via public transport, including Dudley’s Canal and Tunnel Trust.
You can find out more about these works, including regular updates, by visiting www.metroalliance.co.uk.