A recent report has revealed that work on the Brierley Hill extension of the West Midlands Metro is six months behind schedule – but transport bosses are confident this time will be able to be made up as the project continues towards its planned 2023 opening.
It is said that although work has been continuing throughout the summer – after all constructions projects, including the Birmingham Westside extension, were briefly suspended in March – but progress has not been as expected as a result of Coronavirus related restrictions. There was a delay to the Network Rail agreement being signed and this coupled with social distancing – which has not only affected construction teams but their suppliers as well – has led to the delays.
The 11km route, which will feature 17 stops, will link Wednesbury with Brierley Hill and is still scheduled to open during 2023.
We’ve often reported on these pages about road closures, tram line closures and even railway closures as construction of new lines takes place but in probably a first it has been announced that there will be canal closures throughout the autumn as work continues on the Brierley Hill extension.
It is planned that sections of the Tame Valley, Walsall and Old Main Line Canal will be closed to both boat and towpath traffic from the autumn to allow for preliminary works to take place in connection with the tram line. Structural assessments and bridge replacements will take place on three structures along the route to ensure that they meet the needs of a modern light rail network.
The first canal closure will be in the vicinity of Walsall Canal Bridge from early November to December with the Tame Valley Canal following in January 2021 and the Old Main Line Canal between February and mid-March 2021.