Wolverhampton set for major disruption ahead of Midland Metro extension
WORKS paving the way for the extension of the Midland Metro in Wolverhampton city centre will start next week.
From Monday, The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), working on behalf of West Midlands Combined Authority, will begin coordinating a programme of works in the city centre to relocate and protect underground pipes and cables in Pipers Row.
Once this work is complete, construction on the extension can begin in the summer.
The utility works will mean a series of traffic diversions in Wolverhampton city centre:
– Northbound access will be via Tower Street and Market Street (via Queen Street)
– Southbound traffic will be permitted on Pipers Row
– Access Northbound to Castle Street will be restricted to businesses and local access only
There will also be traffic diversions operating between midnight and 6am:
– Access to Castle Street from Pipers Row will be restricted
– Northbound access to Queen Street and Berry Street will be via Tower Street and Market Street
– To exit the city, there a be diversion via Princess Street and Broad Street
Traffic Marshals will be on hand during the day and night to assist motorists.
Alejandro Moreno, Midland Metro Alliance Director, said: “Diverting utility apparatus is one of the first steps we need to undertake before we can begin constructing any tram extensions. Although we do understand that this will cause some inconvenience, we aim to minimise this wherever possible.
“Ultimately, it is good news for those living and working nearby as in the process, we ensure that the pipes and cables in the streets are not just moved, but also upgraded or replaced where necessary.”
Cllr John Reynolds, Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for City Economy, added: “The Wolverhampton Interchange Project is an exciting move towards creating a gateway that the city can be proud of. Extending the Midland Metro to better serve the key gateways to the city is essential to improving accessibility for residents and ultimately, to make Wolverhampton more attractive to visitors and businesses alike.”
The Midland Metro Alliance is a team of planning, design and construction specialists building a number of new tram extensions over the coming decade on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The alliance consists of the WMCA, which owns the Midland Metro; a consortium of design experts from Egis, Tony Gee and Pell Frischmann; and rail construction specialists Colas Rail – with Colas’ sub-alliance partners Colas Ltd, Barhale, Thomas Vale and Auctus Management Ltd.
