Funding to explore the development of signage along a key corridor within the borough has been given the go ahead.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, has awarded Dudley Council £54,000 for the scheme linking key locations along the planned route of the Midland Metro extension from Dudley to Brierley Hill.

Known as a wayfinding system, it will help people, whether they are walking or cycling, to navigate the area and find out key tourism information. 

In this initial phase of the project, work will be undertaken to understand and record how people travel around the borough on foot and when cycling in order that appropriate routes and destinations can be shown on the maps. Alan Lunt, strategic director for place, said:

“The route of the Midland Metro extension from Dudley bus station through to Brierley Hill, is a key regeneration corridor in the borough and this project will help us create a system to highlight and link key locations along the way.

“We’re really pleased to have the support of Transport for West Midlands to develop a wayfinding system and are committed to creating something which demonstrates the rich variety of heritage which can be seen as you cycle or walk along its route.”

Laura Shoaf, managing director of TfWM, said:

“We are delighted to have been able to help Dudley Council in developing a system that will help people use this new chapter in the story of the Midland Metro when it is open.

“Once complete, the extension will give people in this part of the Black Country, a direct link to Birmingham and Wolverhampton city centres and the forthcoming HS2 high speed rail line. Schemes such as this will play a significant part in helping people derive the full benefits from it.”

This project is part of a region-wide extension of a similar scheme in Birmingham, which includes a series of signs for people visiting the city centre. This phase of the work is expected to be completed by September this year.