Metro extension moves forward

The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension has moved a step closer with the next stage of the project now underway.

Utility investigation works have begun in Dudley signalling the start of works to bring the ambitious project to extend the West Midlands Metro from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill via Dudley closer to fruition.

The preparatory works in Dudley Town Centre will be taking place in Flood Street, King Street, Birmingham Street and Castle Street. The current works will help confirm the locations of existing services and will involve several small excavations. To allow the work to be completed safely, lane restrictions may be in place, where needed.

Cllr Kieran Casey of Dudley MBC said: “The start of these works along the route is excellent news for the project and shows the progress the scheme is making. People can now see that this much-anticipated extension is moving closer to delivery. This project will provide a significant boost to our local economy, as well as providing benefits to residents across the region by making it easier for them to get to jobs, and the national and international rail network with travel times estimated at being approximately 40 minutes from Dudley Town Centre to Birmingham City Centre.”

Cllr David Hosell, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s cabinet member for Highways & Environment, added : “The improved transport links will create huge opportunities for jobs, education and tourism in Sandwell and Dudley, allowing speedy and sustainable travel between this part of the Black Country and both Birmingham and Wolverhampton.”

Passenger service is expected to start in 2023 with plans for up to 17 Metro stops.

The route, along with four other tram extensions in the West Midlands, is being planned, designed and delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which has embarked upon an ambitious plan to regenerate the region and provide new opportunities for residents and businesses.

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