Bus station closing ready to start work on new Dudley Interchange
People who work, shop and live in Dudley town centre are being reminded that temporary changes are coming into place to enable works for the new Interchange.
The sustainable interchange hub[1], which will see £24 million of investment in the town, will provide better accessibility for users by linking bus services with the town’s Metro terminus.
The modern and efficient transport hub is expected to open in 2025, enabling people to access the rail network more easily.
From Sunday 14 January, Dudley bus station will not be in use for members of the public. A one-way traffic system is in place and alternative temporary bus stands will be located on Tower Street, Ednam Road and Priory Road.
Journey times for motorists and bus users may be increased due to the one-way systems and bus route diversions.
Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is leading on the works, is reminding people to check timetables and plan ahead when using public transport in the area.
The organisation will be monitoring public transport journeys and the local road network to offer advice and support to residents, education sites and businesses.
Businesses around the bus station will be open as usual and accessible to visitors. Signage will also be put in place to inform and direct people while the work is ongoing.
To find out more about the closure and changes to bus stops and services people can go online[2].
Jo Shore, director of delivery with TfWM, Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council and Adam Lane, project manager with TfWM say farewell to the old bus station,
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension works are making big changes to the town and it’s great to see the Interchange getting underway as this will help to link people’s journeys and connects us to the rail network.
"There could be some disruption to journeys in and around the town centre, due to one-way systems and temporary bus stops being in place, so we are reminding people to leave extra time and plan before setting out."
The interchange is being developed by TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: "This bus station closure means that we will soon be demolishing the old building and starting work on the new Dudley Interchange - linking up bus and tram services with a modern fit-for-purpose facility.
"Whether it is tracks being laid for the new Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, the new cross-city bus route under development or more cycle routes across the borough, we’re making major transport investments in Dudley as we work hard to better connect local people and businesses to the wider West Midlands.
"I look forward to watching Dudley Interchange take shape in the coming weeks and months."
Midland Metro works continue along Castle Hill while the redevelopment works to the bus station take place.
How the finished interchange will look
References
- ^ sustainable interchange hub (www.wmca.org.uk)
- ^ TfWM (www.tfwm.org.uk)