A series of information events are now underway for residents and businesses to find more about the plans to bring the West Midlands Metro network to Dudley. Run by the Midland Metro Alliance the events allow people to find out more about upcoming works as well as the recently announced phased delivery of the route.
Originally planned to be built in one go the extension should have run all the way from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill but due to funding shortfalls it was announced earlier this year that the section between Wednesbury and Dudley would be built first (opening by the end of 2024). The section through to Brierley Hill would then follow at a timescale to be announced.
The second phase of the line has recently had a boost as Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has told leaders in the West Midlands that he plans to fast-track a number of vital transport schemes in the region – including the Brierley Hill extension.
Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise for Dudley Council, said: “The first phase of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension is just one of the many projects underway and transforming Dudley. The Metro system will provide better connectivity, tackling congestion and helping to connect residents to education and employment opportunities in Dudley Borough, Birmingham and across the Black Country.”
Recent weeks have seen a number of concrete pours take place to form the base of the Sedgley Road Tram Stop in Tipton. Meanwhile, Sedgley Road East will soon see a new bridge deck installed – one of the final new structures to be installed for the first phase of scheme. Once this bridge deck is in place it will mark a major milestone for the project and allow for the preparation for track laying between Sandwell and Dudley to begin in earnest.
Tom Maplethorpe, Project Director, said: “Whereas projects in other areas of the West Midlands paused briefly during the Commonwealth Games, as much of our work is taking place in the former railway corridor, we have had a very productive summer. It is fantastic to share some updated progress highlighting how we are busy delivering phase one of this flagship transport project.”
Remaining information events take place as follows:
- 3 October (2.15pm – 5.45pm): Churchill Shopping Centre
- 5 October (3.15pm – 6.45pm): Coneygre Community Centre
- 6 October (10.00am – 2pm): Harry’s Café, Brierley Hill
When a project takes over a year longer than originally announced, no wonder it costs a lot more money and has to be split into segments. It seems to me that no transport infrastructure projects in this country are properly costed and that the initial announcements of the time scales are just pie in the sky.