Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander recently visited the West Midlands to kick off the extension of the West Midlands Metro tram network in the Black Country. This project, funded by the Government’s £1.05bn City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, aims to significantly enhance connections for communities that have been underserved.
For the first time, trams will run from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, offering faster and more reliable transport links between Dudley, Brierley Hill, the city centre, and the wider West Midlands. This will open up new job opportunities and improve access for many local residents. Passengers can expect journey time savings of up to 30% compared to bus travel, with greater reliability during peak hours.
The first phase of the extension, from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre, is already in progress and is set to open to passengers this autumn.
Improving local transport is crucial for boosting productivity, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where many people depend on local buses, trains, and trams. Enhancing transport infrastructure is a key part of the Government’s Growth Mission and the Devolution White Paper, which aims to empower local leaders to deliver better transport solutions for their communities. This initiative supports job creation, boosts local businesses, and promotes growth across the UK as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander 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.”
Once complete, the extension will provide a major boost to local businesses as the extension is set to pass through Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road and the Waterfront business park.
The Transport Secretary met with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and was given a tour of Parkhead Viaduct in Dudley – an iconic 19th century Brunel structure which will come back into use as part of the Metro route.
Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, 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.”
Image credit: iStock
