Recent Updates

Phase One

Testing and Commissioning is now underway on phase one of the scheme. This means that while there are still some construction activities taking place, the line itself is laid and the operator is running the tram to test it out and make sure it’s up to standard. The intention is that any teething issues will be discovered and ironed out during this period. Moving forward, please be aware of trams when moving around Dudley Town Centre. Following the period of T&C (typically 12 weeks), a period of driver training will then begin, to allow the drivers to familiarise themselves with the route.

Phase Two

Work continues at pace on phase two of the scheme. The retaining wall adjacent to Duncan Edwards Way has been completed, and work continues on the verge itself. We anticipate lane restrictions being in place on DEW in the coming weeks as we start to work on laying the tracks themselves.

We will soon be occupying the Waterfront car park to do some preparatory work ahead of laying the tracks there. This will involve small sections of the car park being removed, to enable us to relocate the existing turning area at the top.

On the Merry Hill side, the piling platform has finished being installed with work now set to begin on constructing the piled retaining wall that supports the tram stop structure. We will also soon be commencing work on the staircase/lift shaft structure – this will involve a period of overnight closures of The Embankment and Central Way.

Finally, a new, monthly drop-in session is being held at Ten Steps Coffee Lounge at The Waterfront, between 9am and 12pm on the 4th Wednesday of the month.

Extension Overview

The 11km extension will branch off the current West Midlands Metro line just east of the Wednesbury Great Western Street Metro stop, before heading through Tipton and Dudley on its way to Brierley Hill.

The extension will be delivered in two phases with the first to Dudley town centre expected to complete main construction activities in spring 2026 with the route opening to passengers as soon as possible after a period of testing, commissioning and driver familiarisation.

The second phase will see the route further extended to Merry Hill, in Brierley Hill, with work underway in the Merry Hill area since spring 2025. This second phase is expected to open to passengers in 2028.

There are plans for up to 14 trams stops along the route:

  • Phase one will see up to nine new stops from Wednesbury to Flood Street
  • Phase two will include the addition of five stops between Flood Street and Brierley Hill, with provision for one additional stop

The headline benefits of this route are…

  • Attracting investment and regeneration to Sandwell and Dudley, and in phase two, Brierley Hill
  • An important driver for this route is the creation of a link from this part of the Black Country to HS2 and everywhere in-between supporting economic growth by linking jobs and people
  • The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Extension will enhance public transport accessibility across the Black Country as a whole and reduce journey times as well as improve air quality and reduce noise

Main construction for the first phase of the scheme to Dudley town centre got underway in March 2020. Since then, much activity has taken place, including utility upgrades and diversions, track laying in Dudley town centre, and the commencing of finishing activities here, including street scene improvements, such as paving and installation of street furniture and new lighting.

Elsewhere, a number of aged railway bridges along the route were between 2021 and 2024 to make way for new purpose-built structures which are fit for a modern tramway.  Spring 2024 saw the completion of a massive structure in the Wednesbury area which links the exisiting Metro line to the new route out to Dudley and the final bridge for phase one of the route was landed in June 2024 in a massive milestone for the programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the scheme be open for passengers?

The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will be delivered in two phases. The first phase to Dudley town centre is expected to complete main construction in autumn 2025 and see passenger services begin as soon as possible shortly after completion of testing, commissioning and driver familiarisation.

Construction for the second phase to Merry Hill in Brierley Hill got underway in spring 2025 and is expected to open to passengers in 2028.

I live near the route, when will you be working in my area?

Please rest assured that should we need to work in your area, our dedicated Stakeholder Liaison Manager, will be in touch. We also share any construction activity across social media and via our News page.

What’s the best way to keep up to date with the progress of the scheme?

There are a number of ways to stay up to date with the scheme. The most effective is to follow us on social media – we’re active on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, LinkedIn and X (formally Twitter).

You can also sign up to receive updates here.

How frequently will the trams run?

West Midlands Metro provides fast and frequent services, however, with operational service still be planned, we are unable to share timetabled services just yet.

As per current services, we expect that trams will operate on a six to eight minute frequency in peak times.

I want to work on the project, what can I do?

We’re proud to employ local people and often advertise for a number of roles across all of our projects. If you’re interested in working with us, we recommend you visit our Careers page.