Black Country Metro extension to see funding package agreed shortly

The Black Country Metro extension will see leaders of the West Midlands Combined Authority agree upon a funding package next week which will allow the second stage of the project, the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension get underway.

The project is already in full swing in its first stage and will see completion during 2024 for the West Midlands Metro Depot at Wednesbury to Dudley town centre line.

The second stage will see the line extended from Dudley town centre through to Merry Hill Waterfront in Brierley Hill, which can go ahead once a new funding agreement is in place.

This part of the project will see three extra stops and following this and subject to funding via Dudley Council will see a further stop added at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre.

This stage of the project fully depends on funding.

However, the West Midlands Combined Authority is maintaining its ambition to see the line extended further into Brierley Hill.

The Black Country Metro will go a long way to support the Authority's bid to provide a more environmentally friendly transport option, connecting people in the area with a fast and convenient alternative to road-based travel.

The project will also support the ongoing regeneration of communities and businesses which feature on the route.

A £60 million grant via the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities was agreed upon during March under the regions Deeper Devolution Deal feature in the new package however, it is subject to the approval of the business case and will require further funding via the West Midlands Combined Authorities City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and from Dudley Council.

2022 saw West Midlands Combined Authorities City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement secure £1.05 billion in funding via the government in order to support infrastructure projects based including rail, Metro, bus, cycling and walking which could also be utilised to support the second phase of the Black Country Metro project.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said “I have always been clear that whatever the economic backdrop we must get the Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill built, and so I am delighted we've now found the funds we need to make that happen.”

“It wasn't an easy decision to phase construction last year, but against a backdrop of rising energy, borrowing, and supply costs, we really had little choice. Now, however, we are ready to press on again subject to WMCA board approval and start construction on Phase Two, with Phase One already well underway.”

“The reason this line is so important and why our commitment has remained steadfast is that it will provide people in Dudley with a modern transport system that better connects them to opportunities across the West Midlands. The sooner we get it built, the sooner people can reap those benefits.”

Part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for West Midlands, has ordered the design and delivery of the Metro extension by the Midland Metro Alliance.