Final stages of city centre Metro extension to begin
The Wolverhampton City Centre Metro extension will open to passenger services later this summer as the final stages of construction get underway in Railway Plaza and Pipers Row this month.
The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), will carry out the remaining elements of construction including connecting track laid last year in Railway Plaza to rail laid for the scheme in Pipers Row back in 2019.
Cllr Ian Brookfield, leader of City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Connecting the Metro to the very front door of our railway station will deliver the best connectivity between all modes of transport. I am delighted to learn that the final pieces of track will soon be in place and that services will be running this summer. The Metro extension works is the last major cog in delivering a gateway to our city that will be the envy of towns and cities up and down the country. It is a big part of how we are re-imagining and re-inventing our city centre to help boost the local economy, create jobs and make the most of our canalside areas, where we have major housing plans.”
The Wolverhampton City Centre Metro extension is part of City of Wolverhampton Council’s and Transport for West Midlands’ plans to create a “seamless” transport interchange in the city centre. West Midlands Metro will serve two new tram stops; one at the city’s bus station on Pipers Row and one at Wolverhampton rail station, allowing people to easily change between other modes of transport.
West Midlands Metro services are expected to call at new stops in July following a brief period of testing and commissioning in late spring.
Activity is expected to get underway from March when the site boundary is increased on Railway Drive as track laying, paving and finishing works commence. During this time a walkway will be in place to allow easy access in and out of the station building.
Paul Brown, project director at the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “Our return to the city signals a really important step in the project. We do appreciate that our works can cause disruption and we will continue to work closely with the City of Wolverhampton Council, Transport for West Midlands and railway organisations to minimise impact wherever possible.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, added: “The Wolverhampton Interchange project is already making a real difference for travellers in the city. We have already welcomed back thousands of passengers to the railway and we look forward to this next milestone in the project. I would like to reassure our customers that the fantastic new railway station will remain freely accessible while these important Metro works are completed.”
Further activity will take place for the Metro development throughout the spring and summer months, including finishing works along Pipers Row.
