Dudley Council’s cabinet is set to view plans to help keep pedestrians and road users safe as the Dudley Metro works continues to progress at pace.

A new vehicle barrier and pedestrian fence at Tipton Road, near Castlegate, will provide protection for all road users taking the bridge above the Metro line.

When completed, the new line will connect Brierley Hill and Dudley town to the rail network, running past the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre.

During the meeting, cabinet will also look at a number of other works to improve and restore existing bridges across the borough.

Primrose Bridge, the canal bridge that carries the B4173 Cradley Road, Netherton over the Dudley No.2 Canal, is set to receive a £1.8m government grant for the strengthening works.

Part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations, the historic bridge was built in 1896 but now requires work, with a 7.5 tonne weight limit being placed on it since 2005.

Maintenance and repair work is also proposed to Bower Lane Bridge in Quarry Bank, Bobs Brook in Lower Gornal and Stamford Road in Brierley Hill. Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said:

“As the Metro works continue, we are also making a number of improvements to the highways infrastructure around it and the new barrier on Tipton Road will help to keep people safe.

“When cabinet meets, we will look at work to a number of other bridges to ensure they are safe and maintained.

“We will also discuss plans for the council to take over ownership of the Primrose Bridge to help maintain the bridge in the future.”