Festive relief for traders as Metro works complete ahead of schedule
Tram replacement works in the Black Country will complete ahead of schedule, the Midland Metro Alliance has revealed.
The announcement will bring a huge sigh of relief for traders operating along the Bilston Road in Wolverhampton, who have been struggling because of traffic being shunted away from their shops and businesses while the work has taken place.
The MMA has said the works will complete on December 2, when the restrictions on traffic along this stretch of the A41 will be removed.
The transport body said the essential maintenance works had been necessary to ensure the tramway could continue to be safely operated ahead of the introduction of catenary free trams in 2018.
The works, which are being undertaken by the MMA on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, will be finished more than two weeks ahead of schedule and on budget.
National Express, the operator of Midland Metro, will undertake essential testing and commissioning activities, without passengers on board. Subject to these tests being successfully completed the tram service to Wolverhampton St. George’s will resume on Sunday December 10.
Paul Brown, project director for Midland Metro Alliance, said: “Our team on the Bilston Road track replacement project have pulled out all the stops to allow the road to reopen in both directions and the tram to return to passenger service.
“As well as replacing the tram track during the project, we have also resurfaced the road, which will mean a much improved environment for both tram and road users. We thank the people of Wolverhampton for their patience during these works.”
The complex engineering project, which has created jobs for 100 local workers, involved breaking out 2.7km of the road and existing track, before replacement drainage systems and concrete base to support the tracks and road could be built.
The replacement rails were then laid and welded into place after which the remaining concrete and road surface installed and the traffic and tram signalling reinstated.
More than 175,000 working hours were recorded during the project with a strong emphasis on local goods and service.
Alejandro Moreno, Midland Metro Alliance Director, said: “We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during this essential maintenance project. Having been built in the late 1990s the tram track was at the end of its operational life and it was vital for the continuation of passenger service that this work was completed as soon as possible.”
