Major construction linked to the next phase of the West Midlands Metro extension is due to start next month along Duncan Edwards Way in Dudley town centre, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has confirmed.
Lane restrictions and speed limit in place
Contractor Midland Metro Alliance will increase activity on the dual carriageway, requiring one lane to be restricted from 10 August. The lane closure is expected to remain in place for several weeks and is planned to be removed in September as summer holiday traffic builds back up. A temporary reduced speed limit of 30mph will also be enforced at the roadside while work continues.
The new phase of works will extend the tram route from the town centre towards Merry Hill Shopping Centre. Sections of the route have already seen construction activity, and the Duncan Edwards Way works form the next concentrated stretch of on-road activity.
Safety testing and wider programme
Separately, essential safety testing is under way on the Metro alignment between Wednesbury and Flood Street in Dudley. That process is part of preparations to open the first phase of the extension to passengers later this year.
The Metro programme has recently accelerated after the completion of lengthy roadworks at the nearby Burnt Tree junction. Engineers finished the major works there after around nine months and will continue to monitor traffic and fine-tune signal timings to improve flows and reliability for motorists and buses.
"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,"
That comment came from Claire Williams, TfWM director of network resilience, emphasising the attempts to co-ordinate activity to reduce the effect on commuters, pedestrians and businesses.
Part of wider transport improvements
The Metro extension and Burnt Tree improvements are being delivered by TfWM — part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) — working alongside Sandwell and Dudley councils. TfWM says the projects will create a modern transport network designed to serve residents, shops and visitors for decades.
Local leaders have framed the work as a means to improve traffic flow and make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as providing more reliable bus and tram journeys between Dudley and Birmingham.
- Start of lane restriction: 10 August
- Expected re-opening: September (following summer traffic increase)
- Temporary speed limit: 30mph while roadside work continues
- Contractor: Midland Metro Alliance
| Location | Work | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Duncan Edwards Way | Lane restriction and roadside works | From 10 August — several weeks |
| Wednesbury to Flood Street | Safety testing | Ongoing — ahead of first phase opening |
| Burnt Tree junction | Completed major roadworks; monitoring & signal adjustments | Completed after ~9 months; fine-tuning continues |
For road users and businesses, the most immediate effect will be the temporary single-lane restriction on Duncan Edwards Way and the reduced speed limit. Motorists should allow extra time for journeys through the area during the weeks of works, and pedestrians and cyclists are advised to follow any temporary crossing arrangements or signage.
As the project progresses further information and traffic management details will be published by TfWM and the two councils. The aim remains to balance delivery of essential long-term transport upgrades with minimising short-term disruption for Dudley residents and visitors.
Jack Osei
Dudley Local Affairs Correspondent, InfoRadar
