Black Country and Birmingham transport plans move step closer

The West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority has given the nod to the proposals, which include a review of a long-stalled scheme for a second Midland Metro line to connect the Merry Hill Centre with Wednesbury along the old Stourbridge freight line.

It follows renewed interest in a line linking Wolverhampton rail station with the city's New Cross hospital.

Options include 'very light rail' similar to the £20 million plan to link Dudley Port station in Tipton to the site of Dudley's former station at the bottom of Castle Hill, close to Dudley Zoo, Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Canal Trust.

The authority agreed for a comprehensive review of the Black Country Rapid Transit network to be undertaken, which will include an appraisal of alternative routes.

The project will be carried further by a steering group consisting of representatives from each of the four Black Country local authorities in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley. The authorities have requested themselves for the work to be undertaken.

It will also take into consideration new developments such as the Black Country Enterprise Zones at i54 and Darlaston and the planned HS2 high speed rail line - none of which were on the cards when plans for new Metro routes were originally dreamed up more than 15 years ago.

Wolverhampton City Council leader Roger Lawrence said: "The principle of a high quality rapid transit system for the Black Country remains a priority.

"Such a network would provide the transport infrastructure needed to support ambitions for future economic growth and the creation of much needed jobs.

"However, it's been a number of years since this was first looked at and during that time we have seen the emergence of key developments such as HS2, i54 and the planned super hospital at Smethwick.

"It's therefore important we ensure this network has the right routes and connections for the future and delivers the maximum economic benefits for the future."