Construction work on the West Midlands Metro extension to Merry Hill is expected to “intensify” later this summer.

Work on the second phase of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension in the Merry Hill area marks a significant step forward for the light rail project.

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 project, 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.

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 into the main delivery of the tramway later in the summer.

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.”

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:

• Wednesday 16 July (5-7pm) – 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 (5-7pm) – Woodside Methodist Church

The Midland Metro Alliance consists of the West Midlands Combined Authority, which owns the West Midlands Metro; a consortium of design experts from Egis, Tony Gee and Pell Frischmann; and rail construction specialists Colas Rail – supported by Colas’ sub-alliance partners Colas Ltd, Barhale, Bouygues UK and Auctus Management Group.

The West Midlands Metro runs between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, serving locations including, Edgbaston Village, Broad Street, Centenary Square, Victoria Square, the Jewellery Quarter, West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Bilston.