Last week's Selly Oak Ward Committee meeting had a presentation from the Council's Highways department on plans for the replacement of the Dogpool Lane bridge.
The main reason for replacing the current bridge is because it has weight restrictions, but it will also help reduce the risk of flooding following last September's flood. Two intermediate supports were installed under the bridge in the early 1990s to increase the weight the bridge can carry, which obviously has an effect on the amount of water that can travel under it at any one time.
The current bridge is distinctive and I have been asked whether the parapets could be retained, but they have been assessed and unfortunately do not comply with current safety requirements. Instead, the intention is to clad the bridge in red bricks, which will fit in with local buildings and should also be attractive.
One concern that some residents downstream had was that the replacement of the bridge might increase their risk of flooding. The Environment Agency have to approve the design and are using their new computer model of the River Rea to assess what effect the new bridge will have (initial indications are apparently good).
Work on the new bridge is currently planned to start in January 2010 will last for up to 9 months. During this time a temporary bridge for pedestrians and cyclists is planned, but vehicles will have to be diverted.
The Highways department will also be invited to give a presentation on the new bridge at the AGM of the Selly Park South Neighbourhood Forum on 7 July 2009.
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