Work begins on second phase of the Black Country Metro extension

Work to extend the West Midlands Metro further into the Black Country, linking even more communities to rapid and reliable tram services, is set to begin within weeks following confirmation of Government funding.

Preparations are already under way for construction of the £295 million second phase of the Black Country extension from Flood Street in Dudley town centre to Merry Hill Shopping Centre – with stops at Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road and the Waterfront Business Park. The first phase, between Wednesbury and Dudley town centre is due to open to passengers later this year.

The Government's support for the new route, which included approval of the final package of funding in the Chancellor's October budget, has been crucial in securing the green light for the second phase.

This means construction work will ramp up across Dudley borough this spring, starting along Duncan Edwards Way and the Merry Hill area.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and Anne Shaw, chief executive of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) welcomed Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP on a visit to the historic Parkhead Viaduct, which has been restored for the new tramway and to a much-loved Black Country Living Museum which is set to benefit from the project.

The Mayor 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.”

The extension is being designed and built by the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) under contract from TfWM, which part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Crucial works for the second part of the route have already been carried out including the innovative restoration of the historic Parkhead Viaduct.

The structure, originally designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the 19^th century, has been internally strengthened and futureproofed for a modern tramway, while the original exterior brickwork has been carefully restored and protected. Reuse of this historic structure has also reduced the project's carbon footprint.

The project is being funded from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) awarded by the Department for Transport to the WMCA for the delivery of key transport infrastructure projects.

Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander MP said: ““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.”

This investment in Dudley is helping support jobs, boosting local business and delivering growth.

Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council and WMCA board member, said: “It's a pleasure to welcome the secretary of state to Dudley today, and to showcase what's happening in our borough as we take another step closer to completing the Black Country Metro line.

“The Parkhead Viaduct was originally designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The structure is well known and loved by people from across the region, so it has been great to see this important work undertaken to restore and preserve it.”

Andrew Lovett, chief executive of the Black Country Living Museum added: “The arrival of the Metro in Dudley will be a tremendous boost to the Black Country Living Museum. Improved sustainable transport links are not only something we welcome, but something our visitors have been asking for.

“In addition, a direct public transport link to the heart of Birmingham will be a major step forward in connecting the Museum to the wider national and international market. Our recent ‘Forging Ahead' expansion enables us to tell more diverse Black Country stories than ever at the Museum, so, alongside improved car parking and active travel accessibility, it's also vital that visitors have more choice in how they travel to us.”