Testing Delays Hit Dudley Tram Extension
Delays to the long-overdue tram service extension to Dudley have been described as “regrettable but normal” by transport officials, as testing uncovers unexpected issues. The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill line, now two years behind its revised completion date, is undergoing testing and commissioning, which has thrown up problems that have pushed back the opening.
At a West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Investment Board meeting on Monday, June 22, chief executive Ed Cox confirmed that construction work is finished and the line remains on track for a full opening in autumn. However, he declined to give a specific date, citing the unpredictability of the testing phase.
Political Pressure Mounts
Earlier this month, Dudley Council leader Patrick Harley called for sackings after it emerged that the planned August opening date would be missed. The project has faced repeated delays, originally set for completion in 2024 but now two years overdue.
At the board meeting, Dudley councillor Steve Clark and Birmingham councillor Chris Garghan raised concerns about the delays. Cox responded: “As you’d expect and for very important safety reasons as you test the new tram system, there are issues that have come about as a result of the testing which mean we’ve had to delay that programme. It’s regrettable but it’s normal.”
No Fixed Date for Opening
Cox explained that transport authorities often avoid fixed deadlines during testing: “Because we are still in the testing and commissioning phase, we are not committing to a specific date. If we do commit to a specific date and then something comes up through the testing that proves we’ve got to adjust or develop, it will be daft to give a precise date. We are expecting it to come into full service for the general public this autumn.”
West Midlands Deputy Mayor Stephen Simkins, who chairs the Investment Board, said: “I think we need to have a closer look on delays. If there is anything we can do to mitigate or pre-plan, especially when they keep coming with change requests to delay the extensions. There must be more work that needs to be done either with the private sector or internally so we can absolutely have a clear and transparent understanding and so we can mitigate delays moving forward.”
