MOTORISTS are warned that heavy congestion is expected while the busy Birmingham New Road (A4123) is closed for a few days as works to bring the Metro to Dudley take place.

Works are being undertaken by Midland Metro Alliance to demolish the bridge abutments of the iconic Hansons bridge to accommodate the Metro line.

The Birmingham New Road will be closed in both directions between Burnt Tree junction and Tipton Road from today (Friday December 1) until 11.59pm on Monday December 4.

Andrew Sumner, network management and co-ordination lead at Dudley Council, said: “Significant congestion is expected, and motorists are advised to seek alternative routes where available and allocate additional time to undertake their journeys.”

Two diversion routes have been put place to allow vehicles to travel around the affected area. Traffic heading south will be diverted via Sedgley Road West, Park Lane West, Sedgley Road East (A457), and Dudley Port (A461); while northbound traffic will be diverted via, Birmingham Road (A461) and Tipton Road (A4037).

Pedestrians will also be unable to pass the road closure and a signed pedestrian diversion route will be in place for the duration of the works.

Access will be maintained to homes and businesses, although premises south of the bridge will only be accessible from the Burnt Tree approach; and premises north of the bridge will only be accessible from the Tipton Road approach.

Once the original Hansons bridge is removed - a new structure will be installed and this will be the final bridge required for the first phase of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension. All of the bridges along the route will be in place ready for the Metro's opening.

It is proposed that the new structure will have the “Hanson’s – A strong link to the past” logo painted on it - the Midland Metro Alliance has said.