Midland Metro tram line closes until Christmas for repairs
Tram users are to face six months of disruption from Sunday as Midland Metro maintenance work begins.
The works will see the Midland Metro line between Wolverhampton and Birmingham closed between Priestfield and Wolverhampton St. George’s so that tram track maintenance works can be carried out.
Travel bosses have now revealed the alternative arrangements put in place for travellers affected by the work.
For the duration of the works tram services will operate between Priestfield and Grand Central, Birmingham.
A replacement bus service (79E) will be in operation during the works between The Crescent and Wolverhampton Bus Station (Stand R) to allow Midland Metro customers to continue their journeys to and from Wolverhampton city centre. While customers get used to the changes, staff from National Express Midland Metro, Transport for West Midlands and Midland Metro Alliance will be in place at key locations to assist customers.
Tickets will also be accepted on the 79 services operated by National Express West Midlands buses to ensure, bosses say "that disruption to the travelling public is minimised."
Tomorrow, signed diversions will be put in place for those road users travelling to Wolverhampton. Road users will still be able to leave Wolverhampton along the A41 Bilston Road for the duration of the works.
As well as replacing the tram track, Midland Metro Alliance will also be resurfacing the road which will ensure a much improved environment for both tram and road users once the work is complete. It is anticipated that the tram line will be re-opened for passenger use by Christmas 2017.
Alejandro Moreno, Midland Metro Alliance director, said: “We recognise that no-one welcomes disruption, but these works are essential for the continued running of trams. The Midland Metro Alliance has kept stakeholders informed of the works, and will be continuing to provide updates for the duration of the project.”
The work will be carried out by the Midland Metro Alliance; a team of planning, design and construction specialists. The Alliance will be responsible for building several new tram extensions across the region over the coming decade on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which owns the Metro.
Phil Hewitt, programme director for Transport for West Midlands, which is part of the WMCA, said: “It is understandable that tram users will have concerns about the effect these works may have on their day-to-day journeys. To help minimise disruption we have worked closely with partners to provide replacement bus services and have customer care staff at key locations to assist passengers.”
For any further information about the works, please visit www.metroalliance.co.uk or www.networkwestmidlands.com/bilstonrd for more information on alternative journey planning.
