Proposed Midland Metro Wolverhampton City Centre Loop
Metro Network
To build on the strengths of Midland Metro Line 1, the Regional Funding Allocation Bid (RFA2) submitted to Government in February 2009 includes funding bids that could contribute towards the cost of new, longer trams for Line 1, for extensions to the line in both Birmingham and Wolverhampton city centres, and to provide for the Wednesbury - Brierley Hill - Stourbridge extension, subject to Government approval of satisfactory business cases for these projects.
The Project
The Wolverhampton City Centre Loop is currently being taken forward in partnership between Centro and Wolverhampton City Council, with funding sought pre-2014.
It is proposed that the route will consist of a single track (clockwise) loop from the current Metro Line 1 terminus to Princess Street, Lichfield Street and Pipers Row, with a spur to the railway station, giving improved city centre penetration and better access to the bus and rail stations.
New tram stops are planned to be located in Princess Street, Pipers Row (for the bus station) and outside the railway station. A key feature of theproposal is thatthe Metro will be routed throughthe proposed Interchange Project so as to facilitate the integration of bus, rail and tram in a single site. The design work for Metro and for the Interchange is being closely co-ordinated to ensure that the two projects are complementary.
Progress
Engineering, environmental and economic work is currently under way, to develop the outline designs in more detail to support the submission of an outline business case to Government, after which legal powers will be sought through a Transport & Works Act Order application, subject to confirmation of Government support. Constructive working relationships have been established between Centro, Wolverhampton City Council and the Interchange developers, Neptune and good progress is being made. Stakeholder and public awareness raising, promotion and consultation are also planned jointly.
