Waterways charity Canal & River Trust, working in partnership with Sandwell Council, has reopened the 129-year-old Wrights Bridge after extensive repairs.
Located on the Dudley No 2 Canal, Wrights Bridge connects local people to the Old Hill train station and has been closed for several years due to safety concerns about the bridge deck and its structural supports. Constructed in 1896 the bridge was originally manufactured by renowned steel makers Dormon Long & Co, the ‘go to’ bridge makers of the day, who also built the famous Syndney Harbour Bridge.
Thanks to funding from Sandwell Council’s Towns Fund grant the bridge has been extensively repaired and now offers an easy walking and cycling route across the canal.
The 14-week project involved replacing and repairing the worn-out wooden sections of bridge deck and its steel supporting beams. Where possible sections of the bridge were kept preserving as much of the original bridge as possible. The supporting brick walls were also repaired, and the bridge access ramps have been resurfaced.
Awarded in 2022, the Towns Fund grant was an investment of £2.3 million aimed at improving canal towpaths. The Canal Network Connectivity Project has improved four and half miles of towpath improvements along the Netherton Tunnel Branch Canal, the Gower Branch Canal, the Old Mainline Canal, and the Dudley No.2 Canal.
Henriette Breukelaar, director for the West Midlands at Canal & River Trust, said: “It’s wonderful to see this bridge back open after being closed for many years. We thank Sandwell Council and The Rowley Regis Towns Fund Board for their support in getting this important community amenity back in use. As a charity we are facing some challenging financial times and support like this allows us to carry out repairs like this without having to divert the money needed to keep our canals open.
“With the bridge opening and the recent towpath improvements in Rowley Regis there hasn’t been a better time to explore your local canal. The summer is great time to visit and spend some time in nature and I would urge everyone to get out there and discover our regional canals.”
Councillor Peter Hughes, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Infrastructure said: ‘’We welcome this announcement of the opening of Wrights Bridge. By making the bridge safe and reopening it to the public we are re-invigorating the area as a place to visit, enjoy and use in our everyday lives.”
For more information on The Canal Network Connectivity Project please visit https://regeneratingsandwell.co.uk/sandwell_projects/canal-network-connectivity/
For more information on Canal & River Trust including how you can donate money or volunteer with us visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
