Watch: First look at ‘Hanson’s Bridge’ full replacement after new version comes out

A new version of the ‘Hanson’s Ale’ bridge has been put in place after a flyover was installed on Birmingham New Road near Dudley. It was newly painted, but still in the iconic image and keeping the message “A Strong Link with the Past”.

Work to remove the old bridge began last November – it has been replaced by a new part of the first phase of the Midland Underground’s Brierley Hill extension and marks a milestone for the project.

The original bridge was built in 1849 for the South Staffordshire Railway as part of a new line from Burton-upon-Trent, via Lichfield, to Dudley. The Wednesbury-Dudley section of the line will now be used by Metro trams.

The Midland Metro Alliance tweeted on Sunday midday that the bridge is now fully assembled, with only some residual welding work to be completed.

Motorists have experienced disruption during the works, but the road in the area is expected to be fully open by tomorrow.