In Pictures: Progress in Wolverhampton

As we get closer towards the start of tram services to Wolverhampton Railway Station on the West Midlands Metro there has been further progress in recent days. This has included the final road surface being completed around the tracks along with some line painting and the top surface.

We’re sure we don’t need to mention that this short extension (which leaves the current line just before the St George’s extension and then runs along Piper’s Row, Railway Drive and terminates at the Railway Station) has been beset by delays and had originally been due to open a couple of years ago. But now there has been a concerted effort to complete the work and this has included some of the finishing touches such as surfacing and the all important line painting.

In preparation for the start of services there will also be some overnight traffic management on Piper’s Row. This will mean that there will be no right turn into Piper’s Row to allow the traffic signals to be updated. Scheduled to take place overnight on Monday 5^th and Tuesday 6^th June there will be diversions clearly signposted.

An opening date for the line is yet to be announced but the aim of it opening in spring seems as if it will be missed as there are now fewer than three weeks left in that season. But as soon as its announced we’ll report on it!

Final surfacing now in place outside the station and just a few pink barriers in the distance.

The approach to the station which has a final surface down and double yellow lines and a bright yellow crossing have also now been completed.

Turning from Piper’s Row to Railway Drive and “TRAM ONLY” markings have been put down.

More road markings at the Bus Station on Piper’s Row. We’re looking towards the Railway Station here with the stop for trams heading in that direction on the left. This includes the new road surface and line markings. (All Photographs by Michael Morton, 3rd June 2023)