PLANS to help keep pedestrians and road users safe as the Dudley Metro works continue will be discussed by the council's cabinet this week.

A new vehicle barrier and pedestrian fence at Tipton Road, near Castlegate, will provide protection for 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.

Dudley Council's cabinet will discuss the progress of the work and how to keep people safe at its meeting on Thursday. The cabinet will also look at a number of other works to improve and restore existing bridges across the borough.

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

Built in 1896 as part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations - the historic bridge has been known locally as the Astle Bridge since graffiti highlighted West Brom striker Jeff Astle’s winning goal against Everton in the 1968 FA Cup final. It is now, however, in need of strengthening work - having had a had a 7.5-tonne weight limit on it since 2005.

Maintenance and repair work is also proposed to Bower Lane Bridge, Quarry Bank, Bobs Brook in Lower Gornal and Stamford Road, Brierley Hill.

Councillor Ian Kettle, Dudley Council's 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."