Pipers Row to finally reopen this summer after Metro works

The busy route through Wolverhampton city centre has been the scene of roadworks misery for drivers since work started on the Metro extension there in March last year.

It was initially closed off completely for six months, before reopening in September with sections blocked off and diversions.

Now bosses at the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) say that section of the scheme will be completed by summer – meaning drivers will be able to turn off Bilston Street onto Pipers Row.

New traffic lights and tram signals will be in place, pavements and kerbs are being installed, and new tram stops will be set up on either side of the road outside the bus station. Diversions will be removed.

A spokesperson for the MMA, said: "The Midland Metro Alliance is currently delivering street scene improvements for the Wolverhampton city centre Metro extension along Pipers Row.

"The work involves the installation of new kerbs, paving and Metro stop furniture. We are expecting to be present completing this work until summer 2019."

The £150 million extended line from the St Georges terminal to the new railway station depot will not open until late 2020, following the completion of work to revamp the railway station.

Councillor Pete Bilson, Wolverhampton Council’s city assets boss, said: “This is fantastic news for the city. The removal of the works along Pipers Row gives it a more open appeal to people going to and from the railway station – which itself is starting to develop.

“It gives the right sort of signals to people who live in the city, as well as visitors.”

Opposition Tory leader, Councillor Wendy Thompson, said: “I’m really pleased to hear that the end is in sight because the works have caused a great deal of disruption.

“It is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. The rest of the scheme cannot finish soon enough.”

The MMA could not give an exact date of when Pipers Row will reopen.