Dudley’s 1980s-built bus station closed for redevelopment on Sunday 14 January, and will emerge as a new ‘sustainable interchange hub’ following £24 million of investment in the town. It promises to provide better accessibility for users by linking bus services with the town’s Metro tram terminus, and is expected to to open in 2025.
A one-way traffic system and alternative temporary bus stands have been put in place on surrounding roads for the duration of the work. Director of delivery at TfWM Jo Shore, Leader of Dudley Council Patrick Harley, and project manager Adam Lane said farewell to the old bus station. Councillor Harley said: “The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension works are making big changes to the town and it’s great to see the Interchange getting underway as this will help to link people’s journeys and connects us to the rail network.
The interchange is being developed by TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). WMCA Chair and Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said: “This bus station closure means that we will soon be demolishing the old building and starting work on the new Dudley Interchange – linking up bus and tram services with a modern fit-for-purpose facility.
“Whether it is tracks being laid for the new Metro extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, the new cross-city bus route under development or more cycle routes across the borough, we’re making major transport investments in Dudley as we work hard to better connect local people and businesses to the wider West Midlands. I look forward to watching Dudley Interchange take shape in the coming weeks and months.”
See pages 40 and 41 for a retrospective on the bus station in our Industry Heritage segment.
