We seem to have been reporting on the West Midlands Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill for quite a while with very little tangible progress having been seen on the ground – but all that is set to change in the coming weeks with main construction works set to get underway in Dudley.
Work on the project so far has seen utility diversion while a number of old structures (mainly bridges) have also been removed in preparation for their replacement with newer infrastructure. However, in the coming weeks work will begin on removing the road surface along Castle Hill in preparation for the installation of the track.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “It is incredibly exciting that, despite the pandemic, we are able to press ahead and begin the main construction process of the Black Country Metro extension. Not only is the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension the biggest light rail project in the UK, but it is also an immediate creator of local jobs and driver of our regional economy at such a challenging time. This Metro extension will be a huge connectivity boost for the people of Dudley and Sandwell, helping to better link these two Black Country boroughs to the rest of the West Midlands, unlocking more jobs and opportunities. The extension also forms a key part of my wider plans for public transport across the region, something that is desperately needed after decades of under investment. I am delighted we are set to properly get underway with construction, and want to say a huge thank you to all the staff who have helped make this happen despite the pandemic.”
The works on Castle Hill will be undertaken in two phases between Spring 2021 and Spring 2022 in order to minimise disruption as much as possible. The first phase will start from Monday 8th March and will see traffic maintained one-way in the direction of Castlegate island with clearly signposted diversionary routes in place.
Ian Collins, Project Director, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to recognise and thank colleagues who have continued to safely progress design and construction related activities throughout the pandemic. Diversions and protections of utility apparatus have been happening in Dudley throughout the pandemic and these works will soon be at a stage to enable physical track construction to commence on Castle Hill. The route is already acting as a catalyst for regeneration in Dudley Town Centre and when completed will provide a much-needed boost to public transport and wider regeneration benefits across the Black Country and Birmingham.”
On top of this work in Dudley there will be further work in Sandwell and Brierley Hill with old canal bridges due to be demolished in Tipton and historic mine shafts assessed and treated across the route. Further utility diversions are also set to begin in Brierley Hill.
Cllr Patrick Harley, Leader of Dudley Council, added: “The start of construction will signal another major step forward in the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension and I am delighted that these works are about to get underway. This extension, along with other projects across the borough, will play an important part in regenerating the borough, whilst also helping to deliver new homes, jobs and so much more. There will, however, be some unavoidable disruption to those making essential journeys and I would ask our residents and business owners to follow the travel advice. I have no doubt that the new route will make a significant difference to the town and I look forward to the continued progress ahead.”
The 11km extension of the West Midlands Metro will leave the current line at Wednesbury and travel to Brierley Hill with some of the line on the old South Staffordshire railway route. It is due to open in 2023.