Crossing installed after underpass flooded

A temporary pedestrian crossing has been installed to help people avoid an underpass that flooded in October.

People living near to Steel Roundabout in Leabrook Road, Wednesbury, had complained that there was no safe pedestrian route into the town centre.

The flooding damaged an electric control panel and pumps that normally keep the underpass clear of naturally occurring groundwater and run-off from the surrounding area, Sandwell Council said.

The crossing has been set up on Black Country New Road, near Parkway Roundabout, with the speed limit reduced to 30mph to make the crossing safe for pedestrians.

One partially sighted resident said using the underpass used to be a 10 minute journey one-way, but it now took him 50 minutes.

Another complained about having to negotiate heavy traffic to walk in the area.

The council said the underpass was now clear of water and work continued over the weekend to clean up silt and cut back shrubs and bushes to make the it usable.

A temporary pump is expected to be installed by the end of this week to prevent future flooding issues, it added.

Cabinet member for environment and highways, councillor Keith Allcock, apologised for the inconvenience.

"The temporary crossing means pedestrians can now cross this major route safely while we finish the work to clean up the underpass following the flooding.

"Work is continuing this week to get the temporary pump in place and we're doing all we can to get a new permanent pump installed to ensure we have no further problems here.

"I would like to thank residents for bearing with us while the necessary work has been carried out, and we're sorry for the inconvenience that has been caused."

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