First section of tram track installed outside Wolverhampton railway station
The first stretch of tram tracks outside Wolverhampton's refurbished railway station have been installed.
Some 40 metres of double track has been installed on Railway Drive as part of the 500-metre extension of the West Midlands Metro from St George's.
Last week also saw the installation of the extension's switch and crossing, an intricate section of rail that allows trams to move from one track to another.
The final phase of main construction for the scheme is taking place after the changes to the railway station finished one year late this summer.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "I am delighted to see that significant progress continues to be made on the City Centre Metro extension.
"It was just a few short weeks ago that the team were celebrating a successful concrete pour on the project, and so it is brilliant that we are now marking another important milestone with track already laid for the extension.
"This scheme will make a real different to the West Midlands, both by improving public transport links for commuters, as well as boosting our economy and creating and protecting local jobs."
Councillor Stephen Simkins ,deputy leader of Wolverhampton Council and cabinet member for city economy, said: "Connecting the Metro to the very front door of our brand new railway station is what our award-winning interchange project,to deliver the very best connectivity between all modes of transport, is all about.
"I am delighted to see the first sections of track being laid in the Station Plaza.
"The new Interchange is already proving to be a game-changer for Wolverhampton by helping to attract the first Government department headquarters outside of Whitehall, at the i9 building, next to the railway station and Metro.
"It is a big part of how we are re-imagining and re-inventing our city centre to help boost the local economy, create jobs and make the most of our canalside areas, where we have major housing plans."
The Midland Metro Alliance, working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, returned to the city centre in June to carry out a series of works to complete the project ahead of the line opening for passenger service.
Further construction activity is set to continue throughout the summer and winter months, including works along Pipers Row.
