Construction work on the West Midlands Metro extension to Wolverhampton Railway Station has resumed – with a hope remaining that trams may start running on the short extension this summer. Work had actually started back in 2019 with tracks laid along Pipers Row and Railway Drive at this point but with a concentration needed on the redevelopment of the railway station things got delayed but its now hoped this will be the last phase of works.
Paul Brown, Midland Metro Alliance’s Project Director, said: “Our return to the city signals a really important step in the project. We do appreciate that our works can cause disruption and we will continue to work closely with the City of Wolverhampton Council, Transport for West Midlands and railway organisations to minimise impact wherever possible.”
Works still to be completed included the final tracklaying at Wolverhampton Railway Station, stops at Pipers Row (by the bus station) and at the railway station and various other finishing works.
Cllr Ian Brookfield, leader of the City of Wolverhampton Council, added: “am delighted to learn that the final pieces of track will soon be in place and that services will be running this summer. The Metro extension works is the last major cog in delivering a gateway to our city that will be the envy of towns and cities up and down the country. It is a big part of how we are re-imagining and re-inventing our city centre to help boost the local economy, create jobs and make the most of our canalside areas, where we have major housing plans.”
With testing required before any public service may start – and with the lack of trams available to do this currently – the summer opening date may appear to be optimistic but that is still the word from officials on the project. We will just have to wait and see if it does happen on this much delayed project.