Morgan Sindall has completed a £13.8 million extension of Midland Metro’s Wednesbury depot.
Part of a £128 million expansion of the light rail network, the project has doubled the size of the depot to support the maintenance of the operator’s new 21 Urbos trams.
The first phase of the extension was commissioned in September 2013, including stabling facilities and overhead line electrification.
The second phase of the project is a new 42-metre extension to the former maintenance shed.
Councillor Roger Horton, Centro lead member for rail, said, ‘This is a fantastic addition to the Midland Metro infrastructure and proof of our ambition to achieve an even higher standard of service.
‘An awful lot of work that has gone into refurbishing the depot while keeping the Midland Metro in operation and I applaud all those who have made it happen.’
The £128 million programme includes an extension beyond Snow Hill to New Street, which is due to open later this year. Midland Metro has also said it is close to making a decision on whether or not to exercise an option for four additional CAF trams, taking the fleet to 25 vehicles.
