A Victorian bottleneck on one of Pelsall’s busiest roads has been replaced with a modern two-way bridge by award-winning contactor McPhillips, ending a wait of more than a decade for residents.
The Midlands-based contractor completed work on the multi-million-pound York’s Bridge scheme for Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, delivering a safer, modern crossing over the Wyrley & Essington Canal.
The completed scheme provides a new 40-metre, two-way bridge on Norton Road in Pelsall, together with dedicated pedestrian access, improved visibility, better lighting, access arrangements for nearby properties and the Fingerpost pub.
The original single-lane humpback brick arch bridge, next to a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), dated back to the mid-1800s and had become unsuitable for modern traffic volume but remains in place for pedestrian and private access.
McPhillips Director Andrew Dunham said: “The project presented a number of technical, logistical and environmental challenges that required careful planning, coordination and innovative thinking throughout the construction process.
“One of the most notable examples was our approach to managing great crested newts on site. Rather than relying solely on traditional trapping methods, we brought in trained sniffer dogs to support the safe relocation of newts, which significantly accelerated site clearance while fully protecting the species.”
Throughout the project, McPhillips worked closely with Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council and the Canal & River Trust.
A spokesperson for Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council said: “The scheme was delivered to replace the existing mid-1800s bridge, which was no longer suitable for modern transport demands.
“The new bridge represents a major infrastructure investment for Pelsall and will help preserve the historic York’s Bridge by removing heavy traffic from the original structure, improving access and connectivity for years to come.”
Andrew added: “We’re proud of what we have delivered here and of the relationships we built with the council, the Canal & River Trust and the local community along the way.
“The new bridge is a real and lasting improvement for Pelsall and we hope residents and road users enjoy the benefits for many years to come.”
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