Station's overflow car park closing for Metro work

The car park, built in 2010, is set to close on Monday, August 24, and will reopen as an interchange Park and Ride car park serving both tram and train services when the new Metro route between Wednesbury and Brierly Hill opens.

The main car park at Dudley Port Railway Station will remain open throughout construction for the tramway, which is now well underway across the Sandwell and Dudley areas.

The Midland Metro Alliance, which is planning and constructing the route on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, requires the closure to allow access onto the site of the former South Staffordshire Railway, which makes up more than 7km of the Black Country light rail extension.

They have been working closely with West Midlands Trains, TfWM and both Sandwell and Dudley councils to notify those in the area and commuters who regularly use the railway station of the upcoming closure.

The organisations have also been sharing tips on how to avoid disruption including planning ahead and considering more sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling or using the local bus services. Further advice and reminders about the closure will continue throughout autumn as lockdown eases and public transport services become more frequently used.

Ian Collins, project director at the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “The new Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will provide a modern and alternative public transport option for the Black Country.

Disruption

"There will, unfortunately, be some disruption whilst we build the extension and for this we apologise.

“We will shortly need to close the overflow car park at Dudley Port, located off Park Lane East, to access the former railway corridor whilst we transform it into the new Metro extension.

"Rail commuters will still be able to access Dudley Port Railway Station throughout the metro works and the station will continue to be connected by local bus services.

"The main railway car park, accessed off Dudley Port A461, will not be affected by planned Metro works.”

The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will boost public transport in the Black Country, providing much-needed links to the existing heavy and light rail networks, and helping to connect people to education, training and career opportunities further afield in the West Midlands.

The extension will also play its part in helping to regenerate the Sandwell, Dudley and Brierley Hill areas.