Midland Metro to shut for two weeks

The Midland Metro tram system is to be shut down for two weeks causing massive disruption for more than 14,000 passengers a day.

The shutdown is to allow for almost £1m of work to be done.

Transport chiefs say the overhead lines, installed in 1999 when the line first opened, are wearing out and need to be replaced at a cost of £430,000.

A further £530,000 is to be spent overhauling the communications and control systems.

But the work is going to mean commuters travelling between Birmingham Snow Hill and Wolverhampton city centre will have to make alternative arrangements.

The first week's closure will be during the autumn between Birmingham Snow Hill and Black Lake at West Bromwich.

The second will be between Black Lake and Priestfield and is expected to take place in spring 2011.

Transport authority Centro and Travel Midland Metro are looking at options for alternative transport, such as replacement buses, during the work.