Queues in Dudley as West Midlands Metro roadworks start at Castle Hill

A one-way system has been put in place on a major road ahead of a multi-million-pound project to improve transport for residents.

Water pipes are being diverted as part of plans to bring the West Midlands Metro tram into Dudley.

South Staffordshire Water is carrying out the work on Castle Hill.

The project, which is expected to last five weeks, started on Monday and led to a long queues where temporary traffic lights were installed.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council said: "There is little doubt for those living, working or visiting Dudley that the Metro route will make a massive difference to the town. It will help deliver new homes, jobs and so much more for the borough, making it even easier to visit our great tourist attractions.

"These essential works to upgrade and divert utilities are being carried out by South Staffordshire Water, on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, and are part of ongoing preparations ahead of the main construction of the Metro.

"With almost £1 billion of investment coming to our borough there will be some disruption. This is the largest regeneration programme this borough has ever undertaken and because of that inevitably people will be inconvenienced, but without that inconvenience the work cannot be completed.

"We ask motorists to bear with us while these vital works are underway, to plan ahead and leave more time for journeys."

It is believed this will bring disruption to nearby businesses when some non-essential stores in the surrounding area reopen on June 15, as per the Government’s guidelines.

Mohammed Sagir, chairman of the Voice of Dudley Businesses, which is made up of traders from Dudley town centre, said: “Businesses have been closed during the pandemic with non-essential shops set to reopen on June 15.

“At the moment, because of lock down, there is not much issue.

“But I think after the 15th, that is when there will be problems.”

He added: “I would encourage everyone to follow social-distancing and follow the Government’s guidelines.”

Signed diversions will be in place for both general traffic and public transport during these latest works on the tram line.

Transport bosses are urging people who need to travel during this time to plan ahead and leave more time for journeys, particularly if they travel along Castle Hill.

The new West Midlands Metro line is planned to open in 2023 and will run through Dudley, travelling between Brierley Hill and Wednesbury, connecting to the existing route connecting Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

The tram line extension is one of several new routes planned across the West Midlands as part of an overhaul of the region's transport network.

In February, West Midlands Mayor Andy Street unveiled plans to open up eight new Metro lines and 21 new rail stations.

His £15 billion plan, which he wants in place by 2040, will also see Metro lines running underground, 150 miles of new lines and 380 additional stops.