Work on the next phase of the West Midlands Metro extension in
the Black Country is set to start in January following Government
approval.
This £261m section will extend the line from Flood Street in
Dudley town centre to Merry Hill Shopping Centre calling at
Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road and the Waterfront business park on the
way.
Construction can start following the confirmation of Government
funding announced in the October budget, through the City Region
Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), and business case
approval from the Department for Transport.
The project is being led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM),
which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to
offer more people and businesses in the Black Country access to
rapid and convenient transport services and to support economic
growth along the route.
The WMCA Board is set to give the green light to the project when
it meets on Friday, 15th November.
, the Mayor of the West
Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “Extending the Black Country Metro
line further will make a huge difference to more people in Dudley
giving them access to reliable and affordable transport while
also delivering a major boost to businesses at Merry Hill.
“That's why the Government has given its support, showing
confidence in our region, and means we will have spades in the
ground within weeks, allowing people to experience the benefits
of Metro sooner.
“And we will work closely with Dudley Council on their growth
plans to help build the funding package and business case for the
next phase of this exciting project.”
Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council and WMCA Board
member, said: “This is great news for Brierley Hill, Dudley
and the West Midlands region. We've continued to push for the
funding to deliver this project and I'm glad to see that we have
Government approval for this next stage which will bring the
Metro to Merry Hill.
“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 first section of the Black Country route, from Wednesbury to
Dudley town centre, is under construction and due to open later
in 2025. Also opening next year is the new Dudley Interchange
which will provide a modern gateway for the town – bringing the
new Metro and bus services together.
And TfWM is working closely with Dudley Council on developing a
business case and securing funding for the next leg to connect to
Brierley Hill High Street. This business case will be underpinned
by the council's growth plans for the area – including new
housing development.
