Main construction work on the second phase of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension in the Merry Hill area is set to intensify later this summer.
With this major milestone approaching, Midland Metro Alliance, which is designing and building the scheme on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, has announced upcoming engagement activities.
Five initial events will enable people who live and work in the Merry Hill area to find out more about the largest tramway extension being delivered anywhere in the UK, and what it means for accessing the busy retail site and how they can ensure they are fully updated on the forthcoming works.
This phase of the Metro extension will connect the first phase of the route, which is in its final stages of delivery to a terminus in Flood Street in Dudley town centre, to Merry Hill. The second phase includes new stops at Cinder Bank and Pedmore Road. It is set to open to Merry Hill in 2028.
Once open, the full extension will offer a reliable, convenient, and environmentally friendly alternative to the car for local people to travel to one of the region’s premiere retail destinations. The extension will also play its part in regenerating the Wednesbury, Dudley, and Brierley Hill areas, making them more attractive to investors.
Preliminary activity to enable main construction, including extensive utility upgrades and diversions, has been underway in the Level Street area of Merry Hill since spring 2025.
This activity is expected to move seamlessly into the main delivery of the tramway later in the summer. While every effort will be made to minimise disruption during construction, some localised traffic management measures will be in place. Full details of alternative routes, including maps and travel advice, will be available from the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) website.
Rose Rees, Head of Engagement and Skills at the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “We recognise that Merry Hill is a much-visited venue, and with main construction for this vital extension set to begin later in the summer, we want to give people ample notice and every opportunity to find out more about what to expect.
"There will inevitably be some disruption to people’s journeys during these works and that is why we and our partners are making every effort to inform local residents and businesses so they can plan ahead.”
To help keep roads clear, those travelling to and from Merry Hill are encouraged to plan their journeys, use public transport, where possible, and if travelling by car, consider rerouting trips to use the Pedmore Road and The Boulevard entrances, rather than Level Street and Embankment ones, as these are expected to be clearer.
Representatives from Midland Metro Alliance, Dudley Council and Transport for West Midlands are inviting local residents, businesses, centre retailers and staff to find out more about the project and forthcoming works at the following events:
- Monday 14 July (1:30pm - 3:30pm) – Merry Hill (lower mall, close to River Island)
- Wednesday 16 July (5pm - 7pm) – Merry Hill (lower mall, close to River Island)
- Saturday 19 July (10am - 12pm) – Merry Hill (upper mall, close to Eat Central)
- Monday 21 July (11am - 1pm) – Brierley Hill Library
- Monday 21 July (5pm – 7pm) – Woodside Methodist Church
Jonathan Poole, Centre Manager at Merry Hill added: “We are incredibly excited about the forthcoming Metro extension, the fantastic connectivity it will bring to Merry Hill and the convenience it will offer our millions of visitors.
"Throughout the construction period the centre opening times are unaffected and we will continue to offer the vast range of brands and experiences visitors expect at this regional retail destination.
"We encourage everyone travelling to be aware of the ongoing works and plan their journeys accordingly to make the most of their visit.”
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