Dudley’s Castle Hill reopens to two-way traffic

Castle Hill in Dudley town centre has reopened to two-way traffic.

The first phase of essential work to upgrade and divert the utilities along the road as part of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension was completed on schedule on Friday.

Contractors, working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), have been carrying out work throughout July to move and upgrade the underground utilities to prepare the area for the Metro route.

Cllr Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said: “We recognise this work has disrupted travel for some of our residents and I would like to thank them for their patience while this essential work has been completed. Both lanes are reopening for road users and we are pleased that this has been delivered on schedule.”

Mosin Khurshid, head of utilities at Transport for West Midlands, who is working with the Midland Metro Alliance to design and build the route, added: “We are delighted that these essential utility upgrades have been completed on schedule and that both lanes on Castle Hill will be accessible for road users. The first phase of these works was an essential part of the construction for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, which will help to transform public transport in the area when complete.  I have no doubt that the lifting of traffic restrictions will come as welcome news to the businesses and many varied tourist attractions in the town and I would like to take the time to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during our ongoing works.”

Castle Hill will remain open to two-way traffic at present with a reinstated crossing point for pedestrians.

During the remainder of 2020 there may be further utility works scheduled which may require more localised lane restrictions or small footpath closures.