Pipers Row in Wolverhampton will be closed for a short period from Sunday, October 27 until Sunday, November 10 as this year’s construction activities on the tramway extension wrap up.

During the first week of the closure, which coincides with half term, Pipers Row will be closed to all traffic in both directions.

Although there will be no changes to stops for services 25, 27, 63, 64, 79, 81, 82, 529 & X8, passengers are advised to leave more time for their journeys as these services will be diverted via the A4150 ring road when leaving Wolverhampton bus station.

Passengers who use the service 1 to Tettenhall or Dudley are advised that there will be minor changes to bus stops in Wolverhampton city centre for the duration of the work and should check the Network West Midlands website before they travel.

During the second week of the closure, between Sunday, November 3 and Sunday, November 10 there will be additional changes to stops in the city centre for services 3, 4, 6, 6a, 10, 10a & 10b.

The Wolverhampton city centre Metro extension is part of Transport for West Midlands’ (TfWM) plans to create a seamless transport interchange in the city centre.

Once Wolverhampton rail station is complete in 2020, West Midlands Metro will serve two new tram stops; one at the city’s bus station on Piper’s Row and one at Wolverhampton rail station, allowing people to easily change between train, tram and bus.

Car drivers will be still able to complete their journeys while the work takes place, by following clearly signed diversion routes, but should leave more time for their journeys.

Anne Shaw, director of network resilience, TfWM said:  “One of our key priorities is making sure buses are reliable and run on time, which is why we have worked with Midland Metro Alliance to plan the majority of this work during half term. If you drive please consider leaving the car at home to reduce congestion in the city centre while this essential work to extend the Metro takes place.”

Paul Brown, construction director of the Midland Metro Alliance, added: “Following a series of consultations involving the local authority and bus companies we have re-aligned our programme to ensure we minimise disruption to residents, businesses and commuters alike.

"We do appreciate that our works can cause disruption to the travelling public, but we have committed to finish the current improvements by the end of November so that we can confine the majority of street work to the Railway Plaza when we return later next year for the final stage of construction for the city’s new Metro route.”

Once the work is complete Pipers Row will benefit from new paving and street furniture, including new benches and planters giving Pipers Row a refreshed look and feel in time for the busy festive period.