Work to begin on £261m metro extension in the Black Country

Following government approval, construction on the £261m West Midlands Metro tram network in the Black Country will begin soon.

The extension will run from Flood Street in Dudley to the Merry Hill shopping centre, with work expected to start in January.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) board is set to finalise the project next week.

West Midlands Mayor and WMCA Chairman Richard Parker stated that construction will begin within weeks.

Led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the project has received government support through the latest Budget and Department for Transport approval.

The new tram route will pass through Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road, and the Waterfront business park.

Collaborating with Dudley Council on further growth strategies, the WMCA plans to develop a funding package and business case for future Metro line extensions.

The first part of the Black Country route, from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre, is being built and should open next year.

In 2025, a new Dudley interchange will open, connecting Metro and bus services in one place for the town