Metro project to be paused for Christmas
Traffic restrictions will be lifted from the end of October until January
Major roadworks to facilitate the Metro tram extension to serve Merry Hill shopping centre will be suspended in the run-up to Christmas.
Businesses and shoppers were given the welcome news, having endured congestion since traffic restrictions along Level Street and The Embankment since work started on the tram extension in the Spring.
But they will be lifted from the end of October until January to make sure shoppers can more easily drive into the centre for the busiest shopping period of the year.
Once completed the Merry Hill tram stop – the final one on the second phase of this Black Country extension – will give both staff and shoppers easy access to Metro services.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Local traders, residents and politicians have raised with me how tough disruption can be at this time of year – and I get it.
“Our high streets are the heart of our communities and traders rely on footfall at this time of year. That’s why we’re taking steps now to keep people moving and support Christmas trading.
“The Metro extension to Merry Hill will bring lasting benefits, linking people to jobs, shops and opportunity – and helping our high streets grow stronger in the years ahead.”
Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles added: “I’ve received complaints about congestion around the Merry Hill centre from residents and traders, especially as we head into half term and Christmas approaching.
“While I welcome the works to complete the Metro line, we must also protect businesses and ensure people can get to where they need to be.
“I raised these concerns to Richard Parker, and I am pleased that by working together with stakeholders, the works are on hold until the new year.”
Work on the first phase of the route, between Wednesbury and Dudley town centre, is nearing completion ahead of opening next year, and construction crews are already on site across several sections of phase two to Merry Hill, including the shopping centre itself.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “We know how important the festive season is for our local economy, and that’s why we’ve worked hard to ensure roadworks around Merry Hill are paused to support businesses and shoppers.
“This is a prime example of how we’re balancing progress with practicality – delivering major infrastructure improvements while keeping Dudley moving during its busiest time of year.”
Jonathan Poole, Centre Manager at Merry Hill, said: “The team at Merry Hill is hugely excited about the long-term benefits the new Metro extension will bring both for visitors and the retail and leisure tenant community.
“We’ve worked closely with the Midland Metro Alliance and Transport for West Midlands on initiatives like the bus pass programme, customer awareness days and advertorials, which have been a brilliant way to support our community during this period of transformation.
“We want to assure all our customers that Merry Hill is very much open for business, and we look forward to welcoming you soon.”
Construction activity will continue in small areas, without obstructing roads in the Merry Hill area, throughout the rest of the autumn and winter. The roadworks will resume in mid-January 2026.