Mayor Confirms West Midlands Metro Extension Work to Start Soon

Construction for the expansion of the West Midlands Metro tram network in the Black Country is set to commence in a matter of weeks, following its recent government approval. This £261m segment is planned to extend from Flood Street in Dudley to the Merry Hill shopping centre, with construction anticipated to begin in January. The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) indicated that its board is scheduled to formally approve the project next Friday. Richard Parker, who serves as West Midlands Mayor and WMCA chairman, stated: “We will have spades in the ground within weeks, allowing people to experience the benefits of Metro sooner.” He further commented that the extension would create “a huge difference” for residents in Dudley and provide a significant boost for businesses located at Merry Hill. The government funding for this initiative, which is spearheaded by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), was allocated in the Budget, and the project has already secured approval from the Department for Transport. The extended route is designed to traverse Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road, and the Waterfront business park. The mayor additionally mentioned that the WMCA intends to collaborate closely with Dudley Council on developing growth strategies to formulate a funding package and a business case for an additional extension. Patrick Harley, the leader of Dudley Council, described the approval as “great news,” and added: “We’ve continued to push for the funding to deliver this project.” He also stated: “We will continue to work with TfWM to develop a business case to secure funding to further connect the line to Brierley Hill High Street.” The initial phase of the Black Country route, which spans from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre, is currently undergoing construction and is projected to open next year. Furthermore, a new Dudley interchange is scheduled to open in 2025, serving as a central hub for the town by integrating Metro and bus services. For updates, follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.