Express & Star report that works on the new Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro line will start in 2017:
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport-news/2016/10/03/midland-metro-extension-work-across-the-black-country-will-begin-next-year/
It is set to be the first project to be completed under the new West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). Doesn't say when it will be completed though!
That's a surprise, I thought it would have been quietly forgotten about!
Since when has it been seven miles from Wednesbury to Great Bridge. Presumably it should read Merry Hill?
Quote from: mikestone on October 04, 2016, 07:36:00 PM
Since when has it been seven miles from Wednesbury to Great Bridge. Presumably it should read Merry Hill?
Like the Birmingham Mail, E&S never let facts get in the way of a good story! ;)
Wonder what will happen to merry hill bus station now as there was a metro /bus interchange planned originally
Well that will slightly bugger up our lunchtime walks!
(Would love a stop near to Golds Hill Way in Great Bridge though!)
Why can't they just put a 20 minute rail service from Worcester to Walsall with a PPM style service from Round Oak to Merry Hill instead. Would save a lot of taxpayers money, plus make my commute easier ;)
Once again, the Express & Star have told only half a story. There should be an "if" at the end of the headline - i.e. if a successful business case is agreed by the Government. This business case is currently being prepared and will be presented next year.
If it is agreed, preliminary works should start later next year. This consists of clearing the trackbed of 23 years of vegetation and diverting utility pipes/cables etc away from the line of route on the on street sections. The actual construction of the line is scheduled to start in 2019 with the line opening in 2023. They are also talking about building a new depot to accommodate a new fleet of trams, which may have the ability to run on batteries over part of the route. The proposed site for the depot is not revealed.
It does make me wonder why they are doing a temporary update to the existing Bus Station at Merry Hill. Surely they could have built a new one close to the proposed Metro stop (near Marks and Spencer) with passive provision for a link to the Metro stop.
Golds Hill is mentioned as a provisional stop on the line.
However, I agree with the trainbasher in that a service is needed from Stourbridge Junction - perhaps not to Walsall as he suggests but onwards via Lichfield to Burton and/or Derby.
Details and a map of the line can be found at http://www.metroalliance.co.uk/wednesbury-brierley-hill/ (http://www.metroalliance.co.uk/wednesbury-brierley-hill/) and this website also has details of other planned extensions.
I would suggest the collapse in freight traffic has probably killed reopening as a through route for ever.
The West Midlands and Chiltern Route Study suggests that they do not see the line reopening for freight in the period up to 2043. However, Network Rail will retain a single track throughout the route from Harts Hill to Wednesbury - the Walsall bound (northerly) line between Harts Hill and Cinder Bank and the Stourbridge bound (southerly) line from there to Wednesbury. The Dudley VLR will use the Walsall bound line through the tunnel from Cinder Bank to Dudley station.
However, the WMCA Movement for Growth document favours reopening Stourbridge to Walsall as a tram-train line "in the longer term after 2029". It would be nice if the section from Stourbridge to Harts Hill was opened earlier to provide connections at Harts Hill to the Metro. It will be ironic if the only section of track that isn't currently buried under 20+ years of vegetation is the only section not to have a passenger rail service.
Work is starting this week: https://www.facebook.com/British.Tramway/photos/a.394223990735238.1073741827.394220774068893/717680501722917/?type=3&theater
Quote from: T840MAK on January 16, 2017, 04:50:39 PM
Work is starting this week: https://www.facebook.com/British.Tramway/photos/a.394223990735238.1073741827.394220774068893/717680501722917/?type=3&theater
The fact it's taken this long to start clearing work when the original ideas been there over a decade is a fucking joke
A group of us from work took a walk along the Golds Hill to the Metro depot section at lunchtime today.
Certainly a lot better walking now along there than it was a few months ago.
As some of you know, the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro line is part of the HS2 Connectivity Package, which is a set of improvements to be completed by 2026 to enable people in the West Midlands to access HS2 quickly (either at Curzon Street or UK Central). An updated HS2 Connectivity Package is on the agenda for tomorrow's West Midlands Combined Authority Board Meeting for approval. This has seen some proposals dropped because they cannot be completed by 2026 - for instance Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton electrification and Walsall to Aldridge electrification have been delayed because of the Great Western electrification cock-up.
Thus a few new projects have been added for delivery by 2026 and the good news for those of us in the Stourbridge/Brierley Hill area is a passenger rail service from Stourbridge to Canal Street station (Harts Hill), where it will interchange with the Metro line. The document does not say whether this will be heavy rail or tram/train and gives no indication about intermediate stations/stops. The proposals can be found at https://westmidlandscombinedauthority.org.uk/media/1743/adocpackpublic.pdf
(https://westmidlandscombinedauthority.org.uk/media/1743/adocpackpublic.pdf) (page 226).
If i am not mistaken back in 1999 when the first line opened they did say that line 2 would be this one let's hope they are telling the truth this time
Anbody any ideas if they are further forward with this plan, or is it going to die a death?
Quote from: Stuharris 6360 on August 12, 2017, 03:56:38 PM
Anbody any ideas if they are further forward with this plan, or is it going to die a death?
It's definitely going ahead. Planning permission was granted back in 2009, and the business case was resubmitted in June this year in order to secure 'Devolution Deal' funding from the government. Vegetation was cleared back in January to allow for environmental and structural surveys.
More info: http://www.metroalliance.co.uk/wednesbury-brierley-hill/
Work and surveying teams still on site
Quote from: Stu on August 12, 2017, 04:33:58 PM
It's definitely going ahead. Planning permission was granted back in 2009, and the business case was resubmitted in June this year in order to secure 'Devolution Deal' funding from the government. Vegetation was cleared back in January to allow for environmental and structural surveys.
More info: http://www.metroalliance.co.uk/wednesbury-brierley-hill/
It hasn't been completely cleared yet, there's still a lot of vegetation on the tracks around Dudley area. I do remember a lot of work being done though a few months ago, especially on the area next to the Zoo car park.
Colus rail engineers surveyors been up Dudley bus station today surveying the back end of the bus station. Private car park and hall st King st junction
Quote from: karl724223 on August 24, 2017, 07:16:22 PM
Colus rail engineers surveyors been up Dudley bus station today surveying the back end of the bus station. Private car park and hall st King st junction
I noticed some surveyors on the 22nd on my way into the Bus Station outside the old Zoo entrance, guessing it's the same people as it's along the planned route into the Bus Station.
Quote from: DJ98 on August 24, 2017, 07:32:36 PM
I noticed some surveyors on the 22nd on my way into the Bus Station outside the old Zoo entrance, guessing it's the same people as it's along the planned route into the Bus Station.
same lot as been down cinder bank section and holly hall bridge by x96 route
Same lot been surveying around merry hill level st today ( Thursday )
Workmen surveying level st and waterfront car parks today
A little early, but interesting to see future journey times! https://citymapper.com/news/1869/the-trams-of-the-future-now-in-the-app
This extension should of opened a long time ago but now we all have to wait until 2023 sadly a lot can happen in 6 years but I guess time will tell because Dudley needs this as the traffic around there is just going from bad to worse
Any news whether the Golds Hill Way stop is still provisional, because that will come in handy for our company's depot there?
(After 4 months at the depot by Hartshornes, Im moving, with the rest of the staff, back down there end of February!)
Any news on any developments? I saw some people on the potential line by castle gate line a few months back
There were workers on the line near Dudley Port yesterday around midday, could possibly be more clearance work but it's hard to tell.
(https://i.imgur.com/raw4pLl.jpg)
The oldline in wednesbury back of meteo depot has been ripped up.
How will the the Wednesbury to Brierley line work with shared access with frieght.
Will it be one platform for trams serving both directions to protect pessengers from freight trains.
@Ginger66 - There's already a thread in existance for the Wednesbury - Brierley Hill line, it doesn't need another new one, Winston
Reopening for freight is pure fantasy.
n the paper see link ays a new depot will be built for the new Dudley service anyone know where it will be built ort is it still not known https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/03/04/new-midland-metro-line-is-back-on-track-but-costs-are-up-100-million/
Quote from: Solo1 on March 24, 2019, 04:33:29 PM
n the paper see link ays a new depot will be built for the new Dudley service anyone know where it will be built ort is it still not known https://www.expressandstar.com/news/transport/2019/03/04/new-midland-metro-line-is-back-on-track-but-costs-are-up-100-million/
They don't even know where the new depot will be built yet. the article says 'provisionally' Sandwell.
What a waste of money, £449 million for a 6.8 mile Metro extension......
I know the longer it's left the more it will be looking at HS2 that's go up should agree a price & stick to it
Re the new depot how come they can't expand the current depot I'm sure that can fit more trams in there than built a brand new one
Quote from: Solo1 on March 24, 2019, 05:56:22 PM
Re the new depot how come they can't expand the current depot I'm sure that can fit more trams in there than built a brand new one
The following is an extract from the West Midlands Combined Authority Board Meeting last week.
Depot & Stabling. When originally developed in 2003 the additional trams to operate the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill extension were expected to be accommodated through modification of the existing facilities at Potters Lane, Wednesbury. Subsequently between 2012 and 2016 the Birmingham City Centre extension project coupled with the replacement of the 16 original T69 trams with 21 larger Urbos 3 trams has used up the majority of the spare capacity at Wednesbury. The Edgbaston and Birmingham Eastside schemes would also as standalone projects have been capable of having their additional trams (6-9 in total) stored at Wednesbury. In aggregate the Birmingham Eastside, Westside and Brierley Hill schemes require additional stabling facilities for up to 25 3rd Generation Trams as well as modifications at Potters Lane to accommodate mixed fleet operation. A suitable site (designated as a construction compound for the WBH scheme) for a stabling facility has been identified in Sandwell and discussions are ongoing to secure this site through normal planning procedures.
The same document also states that the proposed initial service pattern is Wolverhampton Station to Brierley Hill, Brierley Hill to Edgbaston, Edgbaston to Wolverhampton St Georges - final page of https://governance.wmca.org.uk/documents/s2720/Report.pdf
Thanks for this - very interesting! So trams from Brum will not run to Wolves station once the extension opens.
So when will we know about the Golds Hill station for sure?
(Asking on behalf of the company I work for, which has a depot in that area!)
Quote from: Stevo on April 09, 2019, 10:17:19 PM
Thanks for this - very interesting! So trams from Brum will not run to Wolves station once the extension opens.
No the route is described as:-
Wolverhampton Station to Wolverhampton St George's via Brierley Hill and Edgebaston AND RETURN.
So at St George's trams will arrive from and depart to Edgebaston (then to Brierley Hill) and at Station trams will arrive from and depart to Brierley Hill (then Edgebaston)
I'm really confused so can someone please clarify for me....
Is this proposal a defiant going to happen or is it still in the stages of consideration... I only ask as I thought building work was ment to of started in March and thats why the track bed from castle hill to Wednesbury had been tieded up.
Quote from: Westy on April 09, 2019, 11:03:58 PM
So when will we know about the Golds Hill station for sure?
(Asking on behalf of the company I work for, which has a depot in that area!)
I would suggest the company you work for would be better off asking TfWM than relying on internet wibble.
Quote from: busfan2847 on April 10, 2019, 03:04:28 PM
No the route is described as:-
Wolverhampton Station to Wolverhampton St George's via Brierley Hill and Edgebaston AND RETURN.
So at St George's trams will arrive from and depart to Edgebaston (then to Brierley Hill) and at Station trams will arrive from and depart to Brierley Hill (then Edgebaston)
It's only the 1 that will run direct from Brum to Wolves and this will go to St Georges. No-one will travel on the 3 from Brum to Brierley Hill then the 2 to Wolves station.
Don't forget that this diagram is for the period between Brierley Hill opening and the extension to Digbeth opening. The service pattern will change once the latter is open.
However since they have gone for the cheap option of public consultation, according to notices on the stops, which inevitably leads to the minority with fixed opinions (usually wrong) and loud voices having too much influence, rather than paying for a proper survey no doubt that will all change and then again when they realise what has happened.
When is the junction works at bull st/coporation st going start. Don't think it can be left for to much longer with the trams supposed to be stopping at ICC by end of the year.
Quote from: Ginger66 on April 26, 2019, 05:49:26 AM
When is the junction works at bull st/coporation st going start. Don't think it can be left for to much longer with the trams supposed to be stopping at ICC by end of the year.
what work at bull st corporation st what they doing with the line /track there
The Government has not yet granted TfWM powers to begin construction on the Eastside extension, so the turnout at the Bull Street/Corporation Street junction will not be constructed until work starts on this extension. The original date for completion of the Eastside extension was November 2022, but it now looks like this date will slip. The extension of the line from Grand Central to ICC and then to Edgbaston does not depend on this turnout being built and will open whether or not the turnout is built.
Quote from: Solo1 on April 26, 2019, 09:18:11 AM
what work at bull st corporation st what they doing with the line /track there
The digbeth extension would need a delta junction installing to enable trams to go from Edgbaston to digbeth and digbeth to Wolverhampton
What and where is the " key track intersection in Sandwell" referred to in the MMA updated news leaflet outlining progress on this route. Apparently it is to be constructed in the next 6 months :-*
It's the triangular junction linking the Birmingham - Wolverhampton line with the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill line to allow trams from Brierley Hill to operate alternately to Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
Thanks Roy should have realised that's what was being referred to. Any sign of on site works yet? Will be a significant bit of infrastructure work.
Quote from: RW on December 20, 2019, 08:36:11 AM
Thanks Roy should have realised that's what was being referred to. Any sign of on site works yet? Will be a significant bit of infrastructure work.
I attended one of the drop in sessions organised by the Metro Alliance last month and got some information, as well as being added to the email list for updates. I must admit that I don't know what the situation is at the Wednesbury end of the line as I didn't ask.
There are two imminent pieces of work in Dudley. The first has already started on the site of Dudley Railway Station where a retaining wall is being built to enable the Metro to run behind the Dudley VLR Centre (building work on this is due to start in the first half of 2020). The second will see a new road built parallel to Flood Street early in 2020 (on the car park) to enable the Metro track and stop to be built on Flood Street itself. One major project will be to strengthen Park Head Viaduct as the brick encases an original Brunel wooden viaduct which is in very poor condition. There are also three weak bridges in Tipton that will need strengthening.
Finally, the plan now is to open the line in one go in 2023 rather than open to Dudley first and then to Brierley Hill later. They said that they hope to organise further sessions later so it might be worth going along if you're interested.
Quote from: Roy on December 19, 2019, 01:44:35 PM
It's the triangular junction linking the Birmingham - Wolverhampton line with the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill line to allow trams from Brierley Hill to operate alternately to Wolverhampton and Birmingham.
I would have thought a balloon loop around the depot so that all trams could serve Great Western Street might not have been a bad idea.
Hi guys, hope your all OK and had a nice Christmas and New year. So I was coming out of dudley just and noticed as coming over the bridge by the zoo that a load of diggers was hard at work in the old rail site. Is this the beginning of the team extension works or a separate project.
Quote from: danny on January 08, 2020, 02:18:51 PM
Hi guys, hope your all OK and had a nice Christmas and New year. So I was coming out of dudley just and noticed as coming over the bridge by the zoo that a load of diggers was hard at work in the old rail site. Is this the beginning of the team extension works or a separate project.
Think so. Can't think of any other reason why diggers would be there.
Perhaps the "Light Rail Innovation Centre" is proceeding beyond an academic fantasy?
Quote from: Busboy105 on January 08, 2020, 03:49:08 PM
Think so. Can't think of any other reason why diggers would be there.
They are building a retaining wall to enable the Metro to run behind the Dudley VLR Centre. Construction work on the VLR Centre should start later this year and be opened in mid-2021.
Any updates on the construction of this line yet?
Castle Street, Dudley is closed for construction, and there's road works going up Tipton Road which may be linked to it (as that seems to have been there for ages as well).
Quote from: ellspurs on June 17, 2020, 04:43:47 PM
Castle Street, Dudley is closed for construction, and there's road works going up Tipton Road which may be linked to it (as that seems to have been there for ages as well).
It's down to one lane, so not completely closed. Going to cause absolute chaos! It's bad enough with all lanes open!
Work is due to start today in the Sedgley Road East area. Three-way lights will be installed as there will be a lane closure to allow an access road to be built. Later this summer, Sedgley Road West will be closed for about 4 weeks to allow the railway bridge to be removed. A new bridge will be installed later on.
Quote from: Roy on June 22, 2020, 05:56:29 PM
Work is due to start today in the Sedgley Road East area. Three-way lights will be installed as there will be a lane closure to allow an access road to be built. Later this summer, Sedgley Road West will be closed for about 4 weeks to allow the railway bridge to be removed. A new bridge will be installed later on.
Is this at the junction of Dudley Port and Sedgley Road East?
Quote from: ellspurs on June 22, 2020, 06:59:36 PM
Is this at the junction of Dudley Port and Sedgley Road East?
No, it's at the railway bridge near the junction with Mayfair Gardens. An access road needs to be built up to the railway track. The bridge needs to be replaced as it is too weak and this will mean a diversion to the 42 bus later this summer. A number of bridges in the Tipton area will either need strengthening or replacing later on.
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/news/metro-extension-works-set-to-begin-in-sandwell/
Quote from: Roy on June 22, 2020, 08:30:59 PM
No, it's at the railway bridge near the junction with Mayfair Gardens. An access road needs to be built up to the railway track. The bridge needs to be replaced as it is too weak and this will mean a diversion to the 42 bus later this summer. A number of bridges in the Tipton area will either need strengthening or replacing later on.
https://www.tfwm.org.uk/news/metro-extension-works-set-to-begin-in-sandwell/
Oh good, that's the opposite way on Sedgley Road East to where I need to go. Also good for Diamond as they're depot is along the A487 there.
A short section of Sedgley Road East in Tipton will close completely to vehicular traffic from Monday 27 July to remove the railway bridge on the Metro route. This will mean that the 42 bus will need to be diverted from that date. The work is expected to take up to 6 weeks. In addition, Trindle Road becomes one way towards King Street from Monday.
A lot of activity on the section of track bed by shaw road Scott's green island looks like they gave some sort of base their
I hope the line gets extended along the disused section between wednesbury to bescot
Quote from: Ginger66 on September 05, 2020, 09:05:34 PM
I hope the line gets extended along the disused section between wednesbury to bescot
Why? I don't really see that section being used much if it was used.
Quote from: Busboy105 on September 05, 2020, 10:53:43 PM
Why? I don't really see that section being used much if it was used.
Direct link to the train station? I can see some use from that.
Quote from: ellspurs on September 06, 2020, 09:04:57 AM
Direct link to the train station? I can see some use from that.
Certainly if you use the Chase Line from Cannock & Walsall, but would there be much impact on the 11 / 11a between Walsall & Dudley/Merry Hill?
Photos in the Branch Line News show what appears to be heavy rail infrastructure being installed on the section the tram will not be using.
Quote from: ellspurs on September 06, 2020, 09:04:57 AM
Direct link to the train station? I can see some use from that.
Quote from: Busboy105 on September 05, 2020, 10:53:43 PM
Why? I don't really see that section being used much if it was used.
The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill line will connect with the rail network at Dudley Port if I'm not mistaken.
Photos on Facebook show new ballast and track being laid on the section that runs level with the Dudley bypass / shaw road
Work is due to start on 12 October to demolish the bridge in Coneygree Road, Tipton. The work is expected to take about 6 weeks. Like the bridge in Sedgley Road West, it will be rebuilt later on during the project.
Quote from: Roy on October 02, 2020, 12:22:34 PM
Work is due to start on 12 October to demolish the bridge in Coneygree Road, Tipton. The work is expected to take about 6 weeks. Like the bridge in Sedgley Road West, it will be rebuilt later on during the project.
what is wrong with the bridges, surely they have stood the test of time after the line had closed,
Quote from: Ginger66 on October 03, 2020, 02:32:26 PM
what is wrong with the bridges, surely they have stood the test of time after the line had closed,
They may look ok but there could be issues if trams went on them if they aren't fixed. Otherwise they wouldn't have to demolish them.
Network Rail has stipulated that all structures along the line must be rebuilt or strengthened to heavy rail standards to support the possible reintroduction of freight trains along the line from about 2045 onwards. When the Jewellery Line between Snow Hill and Smethwick was reopened in 1995, at least three bridges had to be completely rebuilt as they had weakened significantly in the 23 years since the line originally closed. The line from Round Oak to Wednesbury has been closed for 27 years. Between Dudley and Wednesbury, at least 4 bridges will need replacement and others will need strengthening.
The biggest structure to be brought up to standard will be Parkhead Viaduct between Dudley and Brierley Hill. When the line originally opened, the viaduct was a wooden structure. The current viaduct was built around this, encasing the wooden viaduct inside. The wood is now warping and causing the brick viaduct to twist and it is thought that the viaduct would collapse within the next 30 years if nothing is done. The existing brick arches have to be retained as the viaduct is a listed structure. It will be interesting to see how they achieve this, but the plan is to remove the wood from inside the viaduct and replace it with something more solid.
According to British trams online the extension is already behind schedule by six months.
I think this is partly true due to the current climate, but having looked at the route good 65-80 per cent is on the disused stretch of track, so the delay could be brought under control by working round the clock during the summer months to the best of the lighter days and nights.
Quote from: Ginger66 on October 09, 2020, 08:57:31 PM
According to British trams online the extension is already behind schedule by six months.
I think this is partly true due to the current climate, but having looked at the route good 65-80 per cent is on the disused stretch of track, so the delay could be brought under control by working round the clock during the summer months to the best of the lighter days and nights.
Is that really a good idea? Isn't the track by houses and stuff? There will be a lot of complaints if they were to do this
Quote from: Busboy105 on October 09, 2020, 10:13:03 PM
Is that really a good idea? Isn't the track by houses and stuff? There will be a lot of complaints if they were to do this
Agree what you are saying but network rail does maintenance at night on the mainline. example the chase goes behind peoples houses.
Look at westside extension the only reason is they are that far ahead is due to lockdown and working round the clock.
what I mean you could start 6am instead of 8am and work up to instead of 5pm up to 8pm so the construction team are making most of the daylight.
Two more road closures in Tipton are coming up to allow engineers to undertake structural assessments on bridges that pass over the Metro route. Lower Church Lane will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians from 26 October, followed by Horseley Road. At present, both bridges are controlled by traffic lights that only allow single line traffic which suggests that, as a minimum, they will need strengthening later on if two-way traffic is to be restored.
Work starts on 8 March to remove the road surface on Castle Hill to enable tracks to be laid. Castle Hill will be one direction towards Castlegate Island.
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/major-roadworks-and-events/dudley-regeneration/#:~:text=We%20are%20now%20pleased%20to,anticipated%20route%20closer%20to%20fruition.
Quote from: Roy on February 18, 2021, 09:49:31 AM
Work starts on 8 March to remove the road surface on Castle Hill to enable tracks to be laid. Castle Hill will be one direction towards Castlegate Island.
https://www.networkwestmidlands.com/plan-your-journey/major-roadworks-and-events/dudley-regeneration/#:~:text=We%20are%20now%20pleased%20to,anticipated%20route%20closer%20to%20fruition.
It'll be interesting to see how buses are diverted into Dudley then, if they can't go up Castle Hill. Can they still access Trindle Road heading into Dudley?
Quote from: DJ on February 18, 2021, 01:57:55 PM
It'll be interesting to see how buses are diverted into Dudley then, if they can't go up Castle Hill. Can they still access Trindle Road heading into Dudley?
Probably send them down Duncan Edwards Way and up Flood Street, so they come in the back way?
Quote from: ellspurs on February 18, 2021, 02:32:07 PM
Probably send them down Duncan Edwards Way and up Flood Street, so they come in the back way?
Looking on Diamond's website, they've got details of what their buses will be doing: https://www.diamondbuses.com/west-midlands/bus-services/42-dudley/
QuoteAll buses using Castle Hill out of Dudley will follow their Normal Line of Route, However Services 42 and 229 will divert towards Dudley Bus Station as follows: Castle Hill, Left at traffic lights (Station Hotel), then right into Porters Field (By Taxi Rank).
Work at merry hill by the canal embankment has now started
So Mr Street is now trying to secure funding four extensions, two for this particular line
# Brierley Hill to Storubridge
# Wednesbury to Walsall
Loads of track laid on the Woodside section
Car park next to Dudley bus station now fenced off with notices about metro work starting on that site
Also work on flood st car parks well underway
Woodside track and ballast now down
Quote from: karl724223 on March 19, 2022, 02:23:01 PM
Car park next to Dudley bus station now fenced off with notices about metro work starting on that site
Also work on flood st car parks well underway
Woodside track and ballast now down
Looks like they're making some progress up at Wednesbury Great Western St too, the orange army was out in full force when I passed through a couple of days ago.
I haven't seen much going on at Dudley Port when I've passed through recently, other than the trackbed being cleared a while ago.
The work at Woodside seems to be the movement of the freight line headshunt across to one side to provide space for the Metro line. The line has been relayed and ballasted up to the buffer stop just to the west of Pedmore Road bridge.
Work starting on the old car park next to Dudley bus station
Work well under way on flood street car parks
Work on Castle Hill in Dudley transfers to the other side of the road from Monday.
There will be diversions over the Summer holidays in the New Road and Sedgley Road West areas to enable new bridges to be installed.
https://metroalliance.co.uk/summer-of-progress-for-black-country-metro-route-across-sandwell-and-dudley/
According to minutes of the last WMCA Transport Delivery Committee meeting, work on the new Dudley Bus Station will not start until September 2023 at the earliest with completion not expected until September 2024 at the earliest.
Slightly off topic, but is there anyone here that remembers the previous Dudley Bus Station, which I think was based on the buses parking around the outside of a large waste ground / grassed area.
The current one was a massive improvement.
Where was the old Travelshop/enquiry office in the pre early 80's version?
Yes I do.
It was not really a purpose built bus station, but a collection of street bus stops. There were stops up the hill on both sides of Birmingham St from Fisher St to King St and down Potters Field back to Fisher St. The are in between was a large grassed area. There were also stops on Fisher St from Castle St to Potters Field. The bus parking area was on east side of Birmingham St (now east end of current bus station). Birmingham St ran straight through from King St to Castle Hill. I seem to remember the travel shop being in one of the shops on Birdcage Walk?
Great fun, though. Many buses started up a steep hill and the 58 / 558 to Wolverhampton didn't even use the bus station, terminating at the Town Hall. It was best under WMPTE after the Midland Red takeover, with all manner of strange buses turning up.
Was the Dudley bus depot/garage next/adjacent to the bus station
QuoteWas the Dudley bus depot/garage next/adjacent to the bus station
No, it was where Castle Gate Roundabout is now
Quote from: Tony on July 20, 2022, 06:01:19 AMNo, it was where Castle Gate Roundabout is now
Yep, there is a map showing the location on MidlandRed.net (http://www.midlandred.net/depots/index.php?depot=dy). Castle Gate was originally a junction of Tipton Road and Birmingham Road, before the island and the bypass were constructed.
West Midlands Combined Authority have today delivered a body blow to people living west of Dudley. Here is part of the statement.
The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension forms part of our plan to regenerate 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 both Sandwell and Dudley, making them more attractive to investors and providing easy access to the region's many and varied attractions by fast and frequent public transport.
Construction for this route commenced in 2020, and more recently, since the start of 2022, the Metro extension has seen significant progress between Wednesbury and Dudley town centre.
The West Midlands Combined Authority Board has recently reaffirmed its commitment to the whole scheme, with a further commitment from officials that the first phase will be ready to open as planned with trams serving Dudley town centre in 2024.
Since the scheme was approved there have been a number of pressures on the funding of the project in particular increases in operating costs of the Metro, reduced revenues and construction cost increases. As a result, we have had to adapt the project. We will deliver the first phase to Dudley town centre as a first phase and will continue to seek funding solutions for the second phase to Brierley Hill.
The West Midlands Combined Authority and partners will continue to actively seek funding and develop additional funding mechanisms to allow the construction of this second phase at the earliest opportunity.
We continue to work with our partners at Midland Metro Alliance to deliver the new route at pace so that users can enjoy the benefits of the scheme as soon as possible.
Do you have a link please?
Quote from: mikestone on July 21, 2022, 08:43:47 PMDo you have a link please?
It's part of an email sent out by Midland Metro Alliance to stakeholders.
I read the article in the paper and it's to be built in phases which we guessed would have happened it's pretty much the the same as the Birmingham extension which was done in three stages.
Wasn't it originally meant to be done and dusted by the mid 00s
Quote express and star for brierley hill extension. NO MONEY
Should stick to the budget
QuoteShould stick to the budget
So as the price of steel has risen considerably the should just buy what the budget allows and just have grooves in the tarmac for some of the way. Similarly not give the workforce a payrise to stay within budget? Only problem there is there's a shortage of skilled construction staff, so they will all leave and go onto other work
So 2022 is almost over and the line to wolvo station is still not open to the public
Why are the bridge replacements so slow between Dudley and Wednesbury? This video https://youtu.be/SjCjvvFB1sE shows the Germans can replace one bridge in four days, yet it seams MMA seem to take a lot longer to do
Quote from: Ginger66 on December 31, 2022, 03:08:27 PMWhy are the bridge replacements so slow between Dudley and Wednesbury? This video https://youtu.be/SjCjvvFB1sE shows the Germans can replace one bridge in four days, yet it seams MMA seem to take a lot longer to do
Well they aren't working through the night to do it; they're having to take a lot of additional precautions as people are still using the areas, they have time limits on when they can work on them because of the surrounding housing; the difficulty in getting goods to the sites and material off the sites because of the areas they are working in/supplier availability/truck availability. Lots and lots of other reasons as well.
I'm sure if they could go faster they would.
Regarding the road section from Dudley town center where it leaves the metro line next to the test facility and then rejoins the line.
Do you think in years to come the test facility line will be adapted so if need metro could continue if there was an issue on road section. So trams use the old Dudley railway tunnel to continue its journey to Brierley Hill and back to Wednesbury
Quote from: Ginger66 on April 02, 2023, 06:41:31 PMRegarding the road section from Dudley town center where it leaves the metro line next to the test facility and then rejoins the line.
Do you think in years to come the test facility line will be adapted so if need metro could continue if there was an issue on road section. So trams use the old Dudley railway tunnel to continue its journey to Brierley Hill and back to Wednesbury
Its an intresting point.. I asked this couple of years ago as I thought it would be useful if there was a section blocked however from what I can see in dudley Town it looks like the road sections will be on segregated track.
On another note.. with work appearing to have started on the flood street/bus station section of the tracks, how long will it be before the bus Interchange begins being built... and does anyone have any idea if a temp bus station/terminus will be provided for buses while this work is being carried out?
QuoteIts an intresting point.. I asked this couple of years ago as I thought it would be useful if there was a section blocked however from what I can see in dudley Town it looks like the road sections will be on segregated track.
On another note.. with work appearing to have started on the flood street/bus station section of the tracks, how long will it be before the bus Interchange begins being built... and does anyone have any idea if a temp bus station/terminus will be provided for buses while this work is being carried out?
Yes, there is one going to be provided.
Quote from: the trainbasher on April 14, 2023, 08:40:53 PMYes, there is one going to be provided.
Any idea where it will be or is it too early to say??
QuoteAny idea where it will be or is it too early to say??
Probably start soon as it needs to be ready for 2024 opening of the Dudley extension
Quote from: danny on April 15, 2023, 09:38:38 PMAny idea where it will be or is it too early to say??
To quote the minutes of the March meeting of the WMCA Transport Delivery Committee, Dudley Bus Station is due to close September 2023 with services moved to temporary stands constructed on Tower Street. Dudley Interchange expected to re-open December 2024 on the current programme.
Dudley to brierley hill is being split up into three sections the merry hill to brierley hill section has no funding yet arrival in E&S says people will still need to use other means of transport
QuoteDudley to brierley hill is being split up into three sections the merry hill to brierley hill section has no funding yet arrival in E&S says people will still need to use other means of transport
At least it will make merry hill!
Quote from: karl724223 on June 07, 2023, 01:39:34 PMDudley to brierley hill is being split up into three sections the merry hill to brierley hill section has no funding yet arrival in E&S says people will still need to use other means of transport
The article suggests that reserves will be used to pay for the sections to Brierley Hill and a shuttle bus provided for onward travel.
Quote from: karl724223 on June 07, 2023, 01:39:34 PMDudley to brierley hill is being split up into three sections the merry hill to brierley hill section has no funding yet arrival in E&S says people will still need to use other means of transport
Quote from: Rachvince53 on June 07, 2023, 04:35:15 PMThe article suggests that reserves will be used to pay for the sections to Brierley Hill and a shuttle bus provided for onward travel.
I don't see what the big deal is. Merry Hill has a bus interchange already, and there are several bus services that go into Brierley Hill from there.
Who knows what the future holds as we know there are projected plans to take the line to Stourbridge from Brierley Hill.
So we could end up with various plans/phases
A: Dudley - Birmingham/Wolverhampton via Wednesbury
B: Dudley - Merry Hill
C: Merry Hill to Brierley Hill
D: Brierley Hill to Stourbridge
Quote from: Stu on June 07, 2023, 07:17:29 PMI don't see what the big deal is. Merry Hill has a bus interchange already, and there are several bus services that go into Brierley Hill from there.
The problem is that the Merry Hill tram stop will be at the top of an embankment next to the canal and a long way from the bus station. When the Metro was first mooted, the current bus station was only supposed to be a temporary one with a new interchange being built close to the tram stop. This seems to have been shelved.
Quote from: Stu on June 07, 2023, 07:17:29 PMI don't see what the big deal is. Merry Hill has a bus interchange already, and there are several bus services that go into Brierley Hill from there.
Merry hill bus station is in poor condition full of pot holes where buses park stands A to E are illegal for disabled access very little seating for waiting passengers
New merry hill owners don't want to invest in the bus station but I thought you would have know all of that
When and if the metro dies go to brierley hill is there still going to be a new bus and metro interchange at merry hill ??
Quote from: karl724223 on July 14, 2023, 12:03:47 PMWhen and if the metro dies go to brierley hill is there still going to be a new bus and metro interchange at merry hill ??
Currently the Metro will terminate at Brierley Hill with a shuttle bus provided to take passengers to Merry Hill. In my opinion, any new bus station would be included in the package for the as yet unfunded Metro extension to Merry Hill.
Quote from: Rachvince53 on July 14, 2023, 09:07:51 PMCurrently the Metro will terminate at Brierley Hill with a shuttle bus provided to take passengers to Merry Hill. In my opinion, any new bus station would be included in the package for the as yet unfunded Metro extension to Merry Hill.
It's been split into three Dudley to waterfront
Waterfront to merry hill Dudley council ?
Then merry hill to brierley hill no funding
Again no mention of a new bus metro interchange
Regarding the Wednesbury to Merry Hill extension how can cost spiral out of control.
If planning was consented before lockdown surely it would have been easier to buy everything in bulk 44km of rail (I know the route is 11km), sleepers ext once planning was approved.
But it seems items are ordered when needed you could order sleepers one week and it cost x amount next week it could be 2.5% higher in price
Surely questions have to be asked why aren't those in charge of purchasing for the routes not buying in bulk.
Oh dear reports now say tram not coming to Dudley till next year now and possibly not enough money to finish it
Where's the money gone ????
And to think people think these clowns in charge of transport planning will make a good go of bus franchising if they get their way. These farcical scenes show that bringing anymore infrastructure back into local authority ownership is just asking for trouble.
It's laughable how bad these people actually are and how poor they implement everything. Clearly the job description for these roles must request only total idiots with no idea of reality can apply.
Quote from: j789 on July 12, 2024, 07:55:51 PMAnd to think people think these clowns in charge of transport planning will make a good go of bus franchising if they get their way. These farcical scenes show that bringing anymore infrastructure back into local authority ownership is just asking for trouble.
It's laughable how bad these people actually are and how poor they implement everything. Clearly the job description for these roles must request only total idiots with no idea of reality can apply.
So it says he needs £121m, how much is he spending on franchising?
Quote from: Tony on July 12, 2024, 07:57:45 PMSo it says he needs £121m, how much is he spending on franchising?
Exactly, the usual 'open chequebook' mentality when spending tax payers money.
No doubt with Labour now in charge of the country they will blow billions on it just for it to then spectacularly fail just in time for a new government to come in and have to deal with the mess. (Cough cough 2008!).
The only positive I see if that with the never ending postponements of everything transport related in the West Midlands, the next mayoral election will have come round before franchising can happen and the current status quo will persist long term (whilst watching Greater Manchester's transport network crash and burn [a huge wad of money!!!]).
We will never have a metro system close to London ever. Lack of money, lack of will to improve anything, no ambition, we've truly slumped. Anything good in this country gravitates towards London, everywhere else gets left to rot.
The new labour government seem to have some good ideas, anything is better than the Conservatives at this point, but our flavour of labour in our councils and WMCA are so mediocre.
https://gmbusinessboard.com/news/new-transport-plans-unvieled-to-help-greater-manchester-meet-growth-ambitions
Manchester is going for an underground amongst other things.
Yes well Andy Burnham is going to have a field day with his expectations of funding from the new Government which in all probability will be met. In the meantime our mayor, whose name escapes me, appears to be deferring all progress on transport schemes for the West Mids, with the probable exception of his beloved bus franchising, subject to a review of all those schemes which probably won't be completed before the next mayoral election. Looks like Manchester can flourish while the West Mids can put up with what they already have. Come back Andy asap!