The construction for the West Midlands Metro extension into the Black Country is set to begin this month, providing more communities with rapid and reliable tram services.
The announcement was made following the confirmation of Government funding for this second phase of the project.
Preparations are already under way for construction of the GBP 295 million (EUR 354 million) second phase of the Black Country extension from Flood Street in Dudley town centre to Merry Hill Shopping Centre – with stops at Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road and the Waterfront Business Park.
The Government’s support for the new route, which included approval of the final package of funding in the Chancellor’s October budget, has been crucial in securing the green light for the second phase.
This means construction work will ramp up across Dudley borough this spring, starting along Duncan Edwards Way and the Merry Hill area.
Providing first time light rail connection for many local residents, passengers will benefit from journey time savings of up to 30% compared to taking the bus and with greater reliability at peak times.
“Extending the metro further into the Black Country opens up routes for job opportunities, skills and growth, ensuring fast, reliable journeys for everyone across the West Midlands. Now that I have secured the funding from Government and we’ve got the approvals needed, the work can start to make this long-awaited project a reality. The restoration of this viaduct shows how we can protect our region’s industrial heritage while developing modern infrastructure,” the Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said.
The extension is being designed and built by the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) under contract from TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). The alliance is working to extend the current network by 34 km – helping to boost social and economic regeneration across the region.
The first phase of the West Midlands Metro extension, running from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre, is already well underway and due to open to passengers in autumn of this year.
Crucial works for the second part of the route have already been carried out including the innovative restoration of the historic Parkhead Viaduct. The structure has been internally strengthened and futureproofed for a modern tramway, while the original exterior brickwork has been carefully restored and protected. Reuse of this historic structure has also reduced the project’s carbon footprint.
The project is being funded by the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) awarded by the Department for Transport to the WMCA for the delivery of key transport infrastructure projects.
“Residents in and around the Black Country have been chronically underserved by public transport, limiting access to jobs and opportunities and stunting economic growth. We’re turning the tide on poor transport connections in the West Midlands and delivering a transport system that people can rely on, raising living standards across the region,” the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said.
The West Midlands Metro expansion programme is set to deliver a truly integrated transport system for the future. Metro will serve over 80 tram stops, more than 20 transport interchanges and link Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Dudley, Brierley Hill, Digbeth, North Solihull, Birmingham Airport, the NEC and HS2.
Share on:
