Those living or working in Sandwell and Dudley will have the opportunity to find out more about recent progress on the UK’s biggest light rail scheme this autumn.
The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), which is designing and building a number of Metro extensions on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), is inviting residents and businesses to a series of information events to learn more about upcoming works and the recently announced phased delivery of the route.
Progress has continued to be swift over the summer following a commitment by TfWM to deliver the first phase of the route to Dudley town centre by the end of 2024.
In recent weeks, the alliance has completed a number of concrete pours to form the base of the Sedgley Road Tram Stop in Tipton. The new tram stop will be one of nine planned along a 7km stretch of the first section of the tramline which will connect the boroughs of Sandwell and Dudley.
Elsewhere in the Sandwell area, Sedgley Road East will soon see a new bridge deck installed, purpose built to meet the needs of a modern tramway. This is one of the final new structures to be installed for the first phase of the scheme and once complete it marks a true milestone for the project as preparation for track laying between Sandwell and Dudley can begin.
Simon Phipps, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise for Dudley Council, said: “The first phase of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension is just one of the many projects underway and transforming Dudley. The Metro system will provide better connectivity, tackling congestion and helping to connect residents to education and employment opportunities in Dudley Borough, Birmingham and across the Black Country.”
Following trams arriving in Dudley in 2024, the second phase will see the route further extended by more than 4km to serve the Waterfront Business Park, Merry Hill Shopping Centre and Brierley Hill.
As well as finding out about recent and forthcoming Metro milestones, local business owners and residents in the areas of Sandwell, Dudley and Brierley Hill, will also have the opportunity to learn more about regenerative projects from partners including Transport for West Midlands and Dudley Council during the following sessions:
o 26 September (3pm – 7pm): Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust
o 27 September (10.15am – 12.45pm): Tipton Community Muslim Centre
o 28 September (3.15pm – 6.45pm): Copthorne Hotel
o 3 October (2.15pm – 5.45pm): Churchill Shopping Centre
o 5 October (3.15pm – 6.45pm): Coneygre Community Centre
o 6 October (10.00am – 2pm): Harry’s Café, Brierley Hill
Tom Maplethorpe, Project Director, said: “Whereas projects in other areas of the West Midlands paused briefly during the Commonwealth Games, as much of our work is taking place in the former railway corridor, we have had a very productive summer. It is fantastic to share some updated progress highlighting how we are busy delivering phase one of this flagship transport project.”
Tom Bissell, the MMA’s dedicated Stakeholder Liaison Officer, added: “The information sessions are a great opportunity to ask any questions, meet the team, and learn more about the two phases of Metro delivery. The alliance endeavours to be a considerate constructor, so engaging regularly with local residents, businesses and community groups is an important part of what we do. We are proud of the progress we have made to date on the route and look forward to sharing more with these sessions.”