Public engagement events coming for Metro Merry Hill extension

With the main construction works on phase two of the Black Country line to Merry Hill set to start this summer, the Midland Metro Alliance have announced plans for a series of public engagement events to let everyone know what to expect during the forthcoming works. This extension of the West Midlands Metro is the largest current tramway extension project in the UK and during the work there will be changes to access at Merry Hill Shopping Centre as well as other localised traffic changes.

The Black Country line has been split into several phase with (currently) phases one and two fully funded. Phase one (due to open late 2025) runs from Wednesbury to Flood Street in Dudley and then phase two will run from there to Merry Hill. Phase two will includes stops at Cinder Bank and Pedmore Road and is scheduled to open in 2028.

Rose Rees, Head of Engagement and Skills at the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “We recognise that Merry Hill is a much-visited venue, and with main construction for this vital extension set to begin later in the summer, we want to give people ample notice and every opportunity to find out more about what to expect. There will inevitably be some disruption to people’s journeys during these works and that is why we and our partners are making every effort to inform local residents and businesses so they can plan ahead.”

Preliminary work got underway in Level Street, Merry Hill in spring 2025. This included extensive utility upgrades and diversions. Over the summer this work is due to move seamlessly into the main delivery of the tramway. Whilst every effort will be made to reduce disruption there will inevitably be some localised traffic management measures put in place at various times over the next few years.

To help plan their journeys by seeing what is planned, representatives from the Midland Metro Alliance, Dudley Council and Transport for West Midlands will be at several engagement activities over the next few weeks:

• Monday 14^th July (1330-1530) – Merry Hill lower mall close to River Island
• Wednesday 16^th  July (1700-1900) – Merry Hill lower mall close to River Island
• Saturday 19^th July (1000-1200) – Merry Hill upper mall close to Eat Central
• Monday 21^st July (100-1300) – Brierly Hill Library
• Monday 21^st July (1700-1900) – Woodside Methodist Church

The line also has a currently unfunded section from Merry Hill to Brierley Hill in the proposals. However, this is currently not being progressed until further funding is made available.