West Midlands Brunel built viaduct restored and repurposed for tramway extension

Work is nearing completion on the multi-million pound restoration of Dudley's historic Parkhead Viaduct which is being repurposed as part of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension.

Delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the innovative restoration project has preserved the viaduct's historic character while ensuring the structure can seamlessly integrate with the modern demands of a tram system, guaranteeing its use for generations to come.

Originally constructed in the 1880s, Parkhead Viaduct is a vital piece of Dudley's railway heritage. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the viaduct played a crucial role in connecting the town to the wider railway network but fell into disuse after heavy rail services were halted on the line in the middle of the last century.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said, "The Parkhead Viaduct restoration is a fantastic example of how vital infrastructure projects can go hand-in-hand with preserving our heritage. This restored viaduct will not only serve as a crucial transport link but will also stand as a testament to Dudley's rich industrial past. I'm thrilled to see it become visible to the public once more, offering a fantastic local landmark to once-again for residents and visitors alike."

Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, added, "Thanks to the expertise of the delivery team, this work has ensured this important piece of Dudley's history is preserved for future generations. It's fantastic that local people will be able to enjoy seeing this landmark once more, now that the works are coming to an end. The completion of this phase is another key step towards the Metro coming to Brierley Hill.”

Tom Maplethorpe, project director for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension at the MMA, said, “Whilst our works aim to improve and modernise the region’s transport infrastructure, we always look for opportunities to preserve and honour the region’s considerable industrial history”.

The 11km Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will boost public transport in the Black Country, providing much-needed links to the existing heavy and light rail networks, and helping to connect people to education, training and career opportunities further afield in the West Midlands. When the first phase of the route opens to the public, an additional nine stops will be added to the West Midlands Metro network linking people in Dudley town centre to both Birmingham and Wolverhampton.