The first phase of essential work to upgrade and divert the utilities along Castle Hill in Dudley as part of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will be completed on schedule allowing the road to reopen to two-way traffic.
Contractors, working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), have been carrying out work throughout July to move and upgrade the underground utilities to prepare the area for the much-anticipated Metro route.
Following the successful completion of these works on Friday 7 August, traffic restrictions that were put in place to allow the team to work safely will be lifted on Saturday 8 August, allowing road users to use both lanes along Castle Hill.
Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said:
“We recognise this work has disrupted travel for some of our residents and I would like to thank them for their patience while this essential work has been completed. Both lanes are reopening for road users and we are pleased that this has been delivered on schedule.” Mosin Khurshid, Head of Utilities at Transport for West Midlands, who is working with the Midland Metro Alliance to design and building the route, added:
“We are delighted that these essential utility upgrades have been completed on schedule and that both lanes on Castle Hill will be accessible for road users. The first phase of these works was an essential part of the construction for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, which will help to transform public transport in the area when complete. I have no doubt that the lifting of traffic restrictions will come as welcome news to the businesses and many varied tourist attractions in the town and I would like to take the time to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during our ongoing works.”
Castle Hill will remain open to two-way traffic at present with a reinstated crossing point for pedestrians. During the remainder of 2020 there may be further utility works scheduled which may require more localised lane restrictions or small footpath closures. Details of these will be communicated by the Midland Metro Alliance’s dedicated Engagement Team. Bus stops on the busy thoroughfare remain suspended and public transport users should continue to plan their journeys by visiting the website of their operator.
When complete, the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will boost public transport in the Black Country, providing much-needed links to the existing heavy and light rail networks, and helping to connect people to education, training and career opportunities further afield in the West Midlands. The extension will also play its part in helping to regenerate the Sandwell, Dudley and Brierley Hill areas, making it more attractive to investors and providing easy access to the Merry Hill shopping centre and the region’s many and varied attractions by public transport. Once up and running, the new system will provide up to 17 new stops and will also reduce journey times when compared to travelling by car.
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