Route to Wolverhampton bus station blocked by latest Midland Metro work
Pedestrians are finding their route to Wolverhampton bus station blocked due to the latest phase of the Metro extension work.
Until this week it had been possible to walk from the city centre along Castle Street and cross Pipers Row near to its junction with Queen Street.
But the pavement outside Chicago Rock Cafe and Manhattans has been closed since last weekend, forcing pedestrians to undertake a lengthy detour and cross Pipers Row at the crown court.
One bus user, who works in the centre, attempted to take his usual route along Castle Street on Monday but was told by a site worker to go another way.
“I had a few minutes before my bus was due to leave,” he said.
“I knew nothing about the closure or any alternative route, and after going via the law courts got to the bus station only to see my bus leaving.
“I went on the Midland Metro Alliance website and there is a map there but it’s very unclear as to what pedestrians should do.
“The following day I saw four elderly people weighed down with shopping get about three quarters of the way down Castle Street before realising there was no way through.
“They were obviously confused and in the end they turned round and headed back towards the city centre.
“What is needed are signs at the Market Street end of the street making it totally clear what’s going on.”
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, who represents the St Peter’s ward where the work is taking place, has urged locals to come forward if they have safety concerns.
She said: “I have sent a message to Travel West Midlands and the council so we are looking into it.
“If people are genuinely finding it difficult, or have concerns about safety or crossing the road, then they need to express that so we can help. That’s what we’re here for.”
A spokesman for Midland Metro Alliance said: “Although Pipers Row and Railway Drive are closed to traffic, pedestrian access is being maintained at all times. However, as it is a live work site, pedestrian routes may change periodically.”
Travel disruption started back in March when Pipers Row was closed off for the new Metro line to be laid.
It is thought it will be be finished during summer of this year, although a clear date has not been set.
