Minister visits Dudley viaduct
The Minister for Transport has been welcomed to Dudley borough today, where she heard about the ongoing works for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro connection.
Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, was joined by the Leader of Dudley Council, the West Midlands Mayor, and other dignitaries, in a visit to the Parkhead Viaduct in Dudley.
The 19th Century former rail structure has been given a new lease of life as part of the 11km Metro line, which forms a key part of the local authority’s programme of regeneration in Dudley borough.
The Midland Metro Alliance, working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, has undertaken work to strengthen the viaduct from the inside out to preserve the structure as part of the £261 million second phase of the Black Country extension.
The first phase, between Wednesbury and Dudley town centre is due to open to passengers later this year. The second phase will see the line continue from Flood Street in Dudley town centre to Merry Hill Shopping Centre – with stops at Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road and the Waterfront Business Park.
The project is being funded from the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) awarded by the Department for Transport to the WMCA for the delivery of key transport infrastructure projects.
Councillor Patrick Harley, Leader of Dudley Council, said:
“It is a pleasure to welcome the secretary of state to our borough today, and to showcase what’s happening in Dudley borough as we take another step closer to completing the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro line.
“The Parkhead Viaduct was originally designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The structure is well known and loved by people from across the region, so it has been great to see this important work undertaken to restore and preserve it.”
The Mayor of West Midlands Richard Parker added:
“Good transport links are essential – helping people get to school, work, local shops and to enjoy a day out.
“Extending the metro further into the Black Country opens up routes for job opportunities, skills and growth, ensuring fast, reliable journeys for everyone across the West Midlands.”