Bridge demolition marks major step for metro extension

Work to extend the West Midlands Metro from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill has taken a further step forward following the demolition of another aged structure along the keenly-anticipated route.

The Tame Valley canal bridge is the fourth in a series of redundant structures to have been removed along the 11km line in recent months and follows the demolition of a similar installation on the Walsall Canal late last year which was completed ahead of schedule.

The Old Main Line Canal bridge in Tipton will be the last of the canal structures to be cleared as part of the scheme with work expected to get underway in February.

A crane arrived on site on Monday heralding the start of the demolition which will take several days to complete.

The canal, which has been closed to boat and towpath traffic to allow the works to take place, is expected to reopen in the coming weeks.

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: “It is brilliant to see that despite the pandemic we are able to press ahead with the construction of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension. Not only is the extension the biggest light rail project in the UK, but it is also a creator of local jobs and driver of our regional economy at such a challenging time.

“The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will be a huge connectivity boost for the people of Dudley and Sandwell, and it also forms a key part of my wider plans for public transport across the West Midlands after decades of under investment.

“I am delighted we have reached another milestone on the extension and want to say a huge thank you to all the staff who have helped make this happen despite the pandemic. ”

The Midland Metro Alliance is working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will boost public transport in the Black Country, providing much-needed links to the existing heavy and light rail networks, and helping 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 the Sandwell, Dudley and Brierley Hill areas, making it more attractive to investors and providing easy access to the region 's many and varied attractions via public transport, including Dudley 's Canal and Tunnel Trust.