One of the Midland Metro extension projects currently being progressed is that of a line from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill which would mainly use disused railway lines but would also serve Dudley Town Centre and Merry Hill. Although the extension is still at the stage of planning – with a business case currently being prepared – recently work has been undertaken on vegetation clearance on the disused railway line, partly so as to provide a clearer picture of how much work will be required to bring trams to the line. In this pictorial update Andy Walters provides images of the latest situation.
Taken close to the proposed stop at Great Bridge this view shows the amount of vegetation clearance work which is still required to take place with evidence of how much has already taken place.
Another view at Great Bridge showing the ongoing vegetation clearance work.
It will not just be vegetation which has to be cleared as seen here.
One final view of the disused railway line with workmen in the distance. (All Photographs by Andy Walters)