First track delivered to Dudley for Metro extension

Another week and another milestone for a West Midlands Metro extension. This time it’s the Brierley Hill extension with the first pieces of track being delivered for the line in Dudley. In total 300 metres of rail have been delivered to Castle Hill where they will shortly be installed as work there continues.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The delivery of the first section of rail is a really exciting moment and I am delighted that we will shortly see track installed along Castle Hill. This is such an eagerly-anticipated route, not least because it will better connect Dudley with more of Sandwell, Wolverhampton, and the east and west of Birmingham by tram.Not only that, but it will also provide a direct route for many across the Black Country to travel directly to the new Curzon Street station for HS2, providing links to the rest of the UK. This Metro extension truly is a game-changer for Dudley and the Black Country, and we’re pressing on and making it happen.”

Work has been underway on Castle Hill in Dudley since 2020 with utility diversion work having been done and now the surface is being prepared in readiness for the eventual installation of the track once the concrete trackbed is ready.

Tom Maplethorpe, Midland Metro Alliance Project Director, said: “The team have been hard at work undertaking a number of essential activities in preparation for the track to be installed, despite the ongoing challenges of the new wave of Covid-19 cases. Residents, visitors and businesses will soon start to see the area take shape in what will be a really exciting time for the project.”

The Brierley Hill extension is due to open in 2023 and leaves the current West Midland Metro line at Wednesbury. The line will run for 11km with at least 16 new stops to be provided.

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