Next West Midlands Metro Expansion Phase Could Start in January

Construction for the subsequent segment of the West Midlands Metro in Dudley is anticipated to commence in January. This undertaking represents an extension of the current single-line tram network connecting Birmingham and Wolverhampton, with phase two designed to establish a link between Dudley and the Waterfront at the Merry Hill shopping centre. The initial phase, which establishes a connection from Dudley to Wednesbury, is projected to reach completion by autumn next year. Anne Shaw, the executive director of Transport for West Midlands, stated, “We have got the business case going through the approval process.” This information was provided during a meeting of the Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council’s overview and scrutiny committee. She further remarked, “It is fully funded in terms of what the business case says,” adding, “In terms of ministerial sign-off, we are looking at starting construction in January, all being well.” Initially, the entire project was conceived as a single phase; however, cost escalations subsequent to the coronavirus pandemic necessitated its division into three distinct parts to maintain affordability. The third segment, extending from the Waterfront to Brierley Hill town centre, has not yet been developed into a business case for approval to secure the necessary funding.