Work starts on Midland Metro’s Black Country extension

THE extension of the Midland Metro in the Black Country is set to get under way this week – although passenger services are still another seven years away.

The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), working on behalf of West Midlands Combined Authority, is progressing work on the proposed extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill.

Work taking place includes clearing vegetation from overgrown areas of the disused former South Staffordshire Railway line in order to carry out comprehensive structural and environmental surveys.

The alliance anticipates that construction of the route could begin during 2019, with the route taking its first passengers in 2023.

Clearing the vegetation should take around two weeks and any disruption will be minimised where possible.

All residents and businesses which might be directly affected by the works have been informed in advance.

Cllr Roger Lawrence, lead member for transport for the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “Whilst this is not the formal start of work on the extension it is the first step towards it. There is a lot of work still to be done but once it is complete the Black Country and wider region will reap the economic rewards of having an extended modern tram system running through it.”

Cllr Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise for Dudley Borough Council, said: “We’ve been working hard with partners to make this project happen as we are set to benefit significantly when the Metro rolls in. The improved transport links will create huge opportunities for jobs and tourism in the area.”

Alejandro Moreno, Midland Metro Alliance Director, said the preparatory work was being done in order to decide what further works were required ahead of construction.

Stuart Everton, Black Country Director of Transport, added: “The start of construction of the line between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill will provide a significant boost to our regeneration plans for the region. It will also provide benefits to residents across the region by making it easier for them to get to jobs, and the national and international rail network.”