£5m scheme for new Wolverhampton tram tracks

Tram tracks along one of Wolverhampton's busiest routes are to be replaced as part of a multi-million pound scheme, it was announced today.

moreIt will see major roadworks carried out the A41 Bilston Road. The work will be carried out during the summer holidays and will see the tracks embedded into the road surface replaced between the city centre and Priestfield.

Work is being backed with a £5 million Government grant.

Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: "This tram line is really important to the local economy.

"It provides a frequent link to key areas of employment, development and regeneration.

"The £5m we are providing today will both help to maintain the A41, a key route in Wolverhampton and will also ensure that the Midland Metro system continues to be an efficient and attractive way for people to get around," she added.

Dates for the work and its duration are to be confirmed.

The minister, the former MP Susan Kramer, was in Birmingham city centre today looking at work to extend the existing 23-stop Metro route from its Snow Hill terminus to New Street station.