The next phase of the Midland Metro’s expansion through the Black Country is heading closer to reality with further design work taking place on the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill route.

Contractors working for public transport promoter Centro will be on site along the proposed route for the next eight weeks to investigate land on which the tram tracks will run and to provide ground and structural engineering information.

This up front work will help the procurement process by negating high risk construction areas of the project and will help bidders to provide better informed prices during the future tendering process.  The local authorities and Network Rail have given their consent for the work, which will cause very little or no disruption to the area.

Centro is confident of submitting a positive business case this summer to secure the necessary finance from Government and of attracting local funding.  The Metro extension could create around 750 jobs.

Tom Magrath, Centro Projects Director, said: “These important works will help strengthen the case for the Midland Metro between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill and ensure that design, construction and operation is as well prepared for as possible.  We know the Metro will bring many benefits to the area and we want to get all aspects of it right.”

The 11km Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension will have 13 easy-access stops with four Park and Ride sites serving shopping and business areas in Great Bridge, Dudley Port (connecting with local train services), Dudley town centre, the Waterfront and Merry Hill before terminating near High Street, Brierley Hill.  Modern trams would cover the distance in 23 minutes, travelling on street through parts of Dudley and following the route of a mothballed railway line for much of the remaining journey.

The Government approved the route just before Christmas, following a public inquiry earlier in 2004.