Colas Rail UK has been awarded a further contract for construction work on extensions to the West Midlands Metro network.

The company is a principal contractor on the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), and the contract award secures Colas work on the network until 2028. Included in the contract are Phase 2 of the Birmingham Eastside Extension and Phase 2 of the Metro’s extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill.

Phase 2 of the Birmingham Eastside Extension follows the successful delivery of the extension to an interim terminus at Millennium Point in Phase 1. It will provide a direct connection to the terminus of HS2 at Curzon Street Station, support the further development of Birmingham’s Sports Quarter, and enable future Metro links to Birmingham Airport and the regeneration of Digbeth and its surroundings. Both of these schemes will improve transport links in the region.

Phase 1 of the scheme, which extended the West Midlands Metro from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, is currently the UK’s largest light rail project in the UK. In Phase 2, the route will be extended from Dudley to Merry Hill shopping centre.

Among the work in this phase are complex civil engineering challenges, including constructing a new viaduct and sensitive remediation of historic infrastructure, such as the award-winning restoration of Brunel’s Parkhead viaduct.

Metro’s existing depot at Wednesbury will be enlarged to accommodate a larger fleet, with the Operational Maintenance Control building being revamped, and a new Control Room constructed.

Through investing in apprenticeships and school engagement programmes, Colas Rail and its Alliance partners are supporting the West Midlands Combined Authority in helping local communities and ensuring that the benefits of the Metro extension construction leave a lasting legacy.

“These awards ensure continuity of work through to 2028 – a significant endorsement of our dedicated, highly skilled, and passionate team. We look forward to continuing this journey, driving forward the successful delivery of projects that will continue to positively shape the lives and the futures of the people of the West Midlands.”

Iain Anderson, Colas Rail Urban Managing Director