Major roadworks suspended to help Merry Hill shopping centre ahead of Christmas

Major roadworks being carried out as part of the new Metro tram route to Merry Hill shopping centre will be suspended to support shoppers and businesses in the run up to Christmas.

There have been 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 rapid 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.” 

Image shows how tram will look running along The Embankment at Merry Hill

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has also provided extra support for shops and businesses during the festive season including:

• More than 300 free, four-week, try-before-you buy bus passes to make it easier for staff to switch to public transport for their commute and reduce cars visiting the shopping centre
• Partnering with Local TV Birmingham to produce free to air advertorials to showcase Merry Hill and its shops and businesses throughout the autumn.

The extension is being built by the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) on behalf of TfWM to bring Metro services into the heart of the shopping centre.

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.

Cllr 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 MMA and TfWM 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.

More details and regular updates are available at www.tfwm.org.uk/merryhill