Work on the next phase of the Midland Metro extension to Merry Hill Shopping Centre will trigger a fresh road closure on Duncan Edwards Way in Dudley from August 10. A single lane will be closed for several weeks, reopening in September with a reduced 30mph speed limit while roadside construction continues.
Completion of Burnt Tree island work enables next stage
The lane closure follows the completion of a nine-month project at Burnt Tree island, which aimed to improve traffic flows, bus journey reliability, and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) confirmed that work at Burnt Tree has now finished, allowing construction on the next stretch of the tram link to proceed.
Claire Williams, TfWM director of network resilience, said: "To keep disruption to a minimum we have waited for work at Burnt Tree to wrap up first before starting on Duncan Edwards Way – where lane closures are being carefully planned to work around busy travel times."
Phased approach to Metro extension
Work on the Merry Hill link has been under way at several locations along the route, while phase one of the line into Dudley is nearing completion. Passengers are expected to start using the tram service from Wednesbury to Dudley town centre later this year.
The Duncan Edwards Way closure will involve a single lane being taken out of use for several weeks. TfWM said the lane will reopen in September, but a 30mph speed limit will remain in place while construction continues at the roadside. Traffic flows will be monitored to ensure signal intervals are optimised for minimal disruption.
Benefits of the Metro extension
TfWM says the completed Burnt Tree island improvements will deliver better traffic flows, more reliable bus journey times, and safer access for pedestrians and cyclists. These upgrades form part of the broader Metro extension investment.
Councillor Simon Phipps, Dudley cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: "The Metro extension is one of the most important transport investments our borough has seen in a generation. It will provide reliable, sustainable public transport links between Dudley town centre, Merry Hill and destinations across the wider West Midlands."
Upcoming cycle lane link
Work to complete a cycle lane link to the new Dudley Interchange will also begin later this summer. This will involve a temporary lane closure on Trindle Road.
Williams added: "This is all about building a modern transport network to serve residents, businesses and visitors to Dudley town centre for many decades to come."
The Metro extension is expected to support economic growth, improve connectivity, and create new opportunities for residents, visitors and businesses in the region.
