You kind of get used to having a sense of déjà vu when it comes to announcements of government funding for projects, and so it is again as we get confirmation that the money to pay for the second phase of the West Midlands Metro Black Country line is being made available through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS).
The funding will go towards the £295 million second phase of the Black Country line which will extend this further from its original terminus at Flood Street, Dudley (to which trams should reach by the end of 2025) to Merry Hill Shopping Centre. There will be new stops built at Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road and the Waterfront Business Park. Despite the fact that for years the complete line was known as the Brierley Hill line there remains no funding in place to complete this final section.
Preparations are already underway for construction to start on phase two, with work due to commence in the spring across Dudley – Duncan Edwards Way and the Merry Hill area set to be the first locations to see the work.
When it was announced as part of last October’s budget that originally approved funding for the extension, it was stated that work would start on phase two before phase one was opened and this promise is now set to be followed through on.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, visited the West Midlands to celebrate the announcement where she met with Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of Transport for West Midlands.
Richard Parker said: “Good transport links are essential – helping people get to school, work, local shops and to enjoy a day out. Extending the metro further into the Black Country opens up routes for job opportunities, skills and growth, ensuring fast, reliable journeys for everyone across the West Midlands.
“Now that I have secured the funding from Government and we’ve got the approvals needed, the work can start to make this long-awaited project a reality. The restoration of this viaduct shows how we can protect our region’s industrial heritage while developing modern infrastructure.
“With the first phase nearly complete, the Metro is already creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting investment to the area, and soon it will take those same opportunities into Dudley and Merry Hill.”
Some works for the second phase of the route have already been completed. This includes the restoration of Parkhead viaduct, originally designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 19th century. The work saw it strengthened internally and futureproofed, whilst the original exterior brickwork was carefully restored and protected.
Heidi Alexander commented: “Residents in and around the Black Country have been chronically underserved by public transport, limiting access to jobs and opportunities and stunting economic growth. We’re turning the tide on poor transport connections in the West Midlands and delivering a transport system that people can rely on, raising living standards across the region.
“The extension of the West Midlands Metro will be transformational and I am delighted to officially mark the start of work today as this Government gets on with supporting local jobs and business while empowering local leaders to deliver our Plan for Change.”