It has been confirmed that a stop originally called Station Drive on plans for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill West Midlands Metro extension is to be named Dudley Castle, after, well, we think its probably obvious after what!
Speaking after the announcement Cllr Patrick Harley, Leader of Sandwell and Dudley Council, said: “Working with Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Combined Authority, we have agreed this is the perfect name for the Metro stop closest to the Castle. The Metro will be used by tourists visiting the area as well as by commuters and local residents and it was felt the name would celebrate the town’s heritage and visitor attraction appeal.”
The first preparation works on this extension have recently got underway with road closures announced for the summer months. There will be further utility diversion and upgrades between July and September in Castle Hill and Trindle Road, Dudley and the removal of a railway bridge in Tipton during August.
The 11km line will leave the current West Midlands Metro line at Wednesbury and travel to Brierley Hill by way of Sandwell and Dudley. Up to 17 new stops will be built on the line which will give easy access to the Merry Hill Shopping Centre and several of the region’s attractions including not only the Castle but also the Black County Living Museum.
The stop at Dudley Castle is the first to have its name officially confirmed with more confirmations to come in the coming years.
Ian Collins, Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Project Director at the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “This is the first tram stop along the new route to have its name officially confirmed and is located to serve Dudley Town Centre and the numerous tourist attractions and entertainment venues in the area. The Midland Metro Alliance is currently working to progress detailed design and is commencing some construction activities for the scheme, across both Sandwell and Dudley and also in the railway corridor where more than 7 kilometres of the route is to be built, whilst taking into account the important government guidance related to Covid-19.”
The Brierley Hill extension is due to open in 2023.