Forgotten English town once crowned the ‘grumpiest’ is being transformed with new state-of-the-art £654m tram line

A TOWN once labelled the “grumpiest” is now undergoing a major transformation, thanks to a brand new £654 million tram line.

, in the , once ranked as the fourth unhappiest place in the UK, is set for a major transformation.

Work is ramping up on the Metro extension, which will better connect the town to the wider Black Country

For decades, poor transport links have made it hard for locals and visitors to get around.

That's now changing.

The new tram route will be delivered in phases, with the first section between Wednesbury and Dudley town centre due to open later this year.

The second phase, which has just secured government funding, will run from Dudley town centre to Merry Hill shopping centre, passing key locations including Cinder Bank, Pedmore Road, and the Waterfront Business Park, reports the Express.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander hailed the project as “transformational” for the region.

“Residents in and around the Black country have been chronically underserved by ,” she said.

“We're turning the tide and delivering a transport system people can rely on.”

The full tram line will cost £654.9 million, split across: £393.5 million for Wednesday to Dudley (Phase 1), £227.8 million for Dudley to Waterfront Business Park (Phase 2a) and £33.6 million for Waterfront to Merry Hill) Phase 2b).

The route is expected to bring new jobs, faster commutes, and a boost to local .

Construction is already underway, with work starting this spring along Duncan Edwards Way and towards Merry Hill.

, a football legend born in Dudley, is remembered with a statue in the town's Market Place.

A and England player, Edwards tragically died in the 1958 Munich Air disaster.

His legacy still draws fans to Dudley and now, they'll find it easier to get there.

“The Metro is already creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting investment,” said Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands.

“Now it's Dudley's turn.”

The tram extension is being built by the Midland Metro Alliance, under contract from Transport for West Midlands(TfWM).

The historic Parkhead Viaduct, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, has been carefully restored and modernised as part of the route.

Strengthening the viaduct for tram use has cut carbon emissions by avoiding new construction.

TfWM Chief Executive Anne Shaw said: “Good transport links help people get to school, work, local shops, or enjoy a day out.

“The extension will open up routes for jobs, skills and growth across the region.”

The line will also support tourism, with the Black Country Living Museum expecting a rise in visitors once the line opens.

Government funding comes from City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement, aimed at delivering key infrastructure projects across the country.