CASTLE Hill in Dudley has reopened to two-way traffic following weeks of work to help bring the Metro to the town.

The first phase of essential work to upgrade and divert the utilities along Castle Hill was completed last Friday, with the key road opening to two-way traffic on Saturday (August 9).

Contractors, working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, have been carrying out work throughout July to move and upgrade the underground utilities to prepare the area for the upcoming Metro route.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental, highways and street services, said: “We recognise this work has disrupted travel for some of our residents and I would like to thank them for their patience while this essential work has been completed. Both lanes are reopening for road users and we are pleased that this has been delivered on schedule.”

Mosin Khurshid, head of utilities at Transport for West Midlands, who is working with the Midland Metro Alliance to design and building the route, added: “We are delighted that these essential utility upgrades have been completed on schedule and that both lanes on Castle Hill will be accessible for road users.

"The first phase of these works was an essential part of the construction for the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, which will help to transform public transport in the area when complete. I have no doubt that the lifting of traffic restrictions will come as welcome news to the businesses and many varied tourist attractions in the town and I would like to take the time to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during our ongoing works.”

Castle Hill will remain open to two-way traffic with a reinstated crossing point for pedestrians, but bus stops on the busy road remain suspended.