The chances of trams reaching Brierley Hill anytime soon seem to be receding with a new report for Dudley Council stating that there is a strong “likelihood” that the second phase of the line between Dudley and Brierley Hill could either be delayed further or withdrawn in its entirety. It had originally been planned to complete the line from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill in one phase but earlier this year it was confirmed that it would be split into two phases, although with no timeframe commitment for the section to Brierley Hill.
Main construction works on the extension started in March 2020 and over the past couple of years significant work has been undertaken on utility diversions along with new structures being installed along the former railway route that much of the start of the route uses. Track has also started to be laid in Dudley Town Centre.
It had been the intention to open the full 11km route together with the original opening date being set as 2023. This has been delayed with trams not set to run until 2024 and only on phase one between Wednesbury and Dudley. The increasing costs of the extension have meant, though, that the section from Dudley to Brierley Hill has been delayed with the statement “at the earliest opportunity” mentioned on the Midland Metro Alliance website. Midland Metro Alliance said at the time: “This phased approach is due to a combination of factors including a rise in construction and energy costs, at the same time as a reduction in the farebox income as a result of the Covid pandemic.”
Now the report from Dudley Council has said that they don’t currently have the funds to build the rest of the line and that it may either be withdrawn in its entirety or significantly delayed. However, its reported that current West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, and bosses at the Council are committed to completing the line with a number of options being considered for funding. Its said there is currently a £300 million shortfall.
In an article in the Express and Star, Cllr Patrick Harley, Dudley Council Leader, said: “We are absolutely committed to building the Metro extension in full and we are currently working with the Combined Authority on this matter. There is quite a bit of money coming through for new transport schemes and there are things we are looking at. In particular, there is a report going to the board next month which outlines a potential funding route which hopefully will bridge the gap.”
This news is not believed to impact the line as far as Dudley which remains on track for opening within the next couple of years.
* And to add to the money theme on the West Midlands Metro extensions it has been announced that the line to Wolverhampton Railway Station has had to have a further £10 million added to the budget to ensure it is completed. The blame for the rising costs has been put down to increased labour costs, supply chain issues and the delivery of materials. Part of this was down to the 18 months when they were unable to work around Wolverhampton Railway Station whilst redevelopment work was underway there. As well as this extension an extra £2 million had to be given to the Birmingham Westside extension.
What about a reduction in the farebox as a result of the trams being off service for months? When it takes a year to lay a double track up a street 300 metres long is it any wonder that costs have increased?
I’ve seen them making 4 jobs out of one & just redoing what they’ve already done