Dudley tram extension delayed until 2027

The West Midlands Metro extension between Wednesbury and Dudley has been further delayed until 2027 due to a critical safety issue.

The first phase of the extension, which was originally announced in 2017, was scheduled to open in 2024. However the project has faced a series of setbacks meaning it will be almost a decade from announcement to completion of the four mile stretch of track

A Transport for West Midlands spokesperson said:

"We recognise that residents, businesses and future passengers have been waiting longer than expected for the extension to open and that anticipated opening dates have changed as the project has progressed. We understand the frustration and disappointment this has caused.

"Safety is, and always has been, our overriding priority. We have consistently said that the line will only open once we are fully satisfied it is safe for passenger operations and all necessary approvals have been secured.

"During this process, a safety-critical issue was identified during testing and required additional engineering work before the extension could be approved for passenger service. Resolving this issue took longer than anticipated and has affected the project timetable.

"While we recognise this means waiting longer than anyone would like, we will not compromise on safety to meet a particular date."

Driver training is expected to begin very soon. This training will include route familiarisation, timetable testing, and final operational preparations.

The extension will eventually continue beyond Dudley towards Merry Hill and Brierley Hill, with passenger services to Merry Hill expected to begin in 2028.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, added: “The people of Dudley have been badly let down by the repeated delays to this project. They've put up with disruption and delays dating back many years.  

“Local businesses have suffered too and quite rightly people have been left wondering when it'll actually be completed. I'm angry and frustrated - what has happened is unacceptable.  
 
“We must properly and fully investigate the reasons for the repeated delays that have plagued this project since it started more than six years ago and we must learn the lessons and address them on future projects to ensure they never happen again. 
 
“Safety must come first. I won't compromise on that. But we cannot keep accepting delay after delay. The people of Dudley have waited long enough, and I'm determined that we learn from what's gone wrong and don't repeat these mistakes.”