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The first piece of turf was turned today at the multi million pound Midland Metro scheme.
Transport Secretary Sir George Young joined Councillor Dick Worrall at a ceremony to mark the start of construction of Midland Metro Line One.
Speaking at the West Bromwich site Sir George said:
"Midland Metro Line One is good news for travellers in the West Midlands.
"It will provide motorists and others with a clean, attractive, frequent and reliable alternative form of transport in a heavily congested corridor.
"It will also play a part in assisting regeneration in the Black Country area.
"I am delighted to have been invited to Birmingham today to cut the first turf which will start construction of this #145 million light rail scheme.
"Light rail can make a positive contribution to relieving congestion in some urban areas.
"I congratulate Altram and the local authorities on their contribution to the project. It is an excellent example of partnership and a triumph for the Private Finance Initiative. It also shows the local community's confidence in the scheme.
"Midland Metro Line One maps the way forward for light rail schemes. I wish it every success in the future."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Mr Norris, Minister for local transport, announced on 13 July 1995 the Government's acceptance of this scheme. The line runs from Birmingham to Wolverhampton via West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Bilston, serving Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and the suburb of Handsworth as well as major development sites in the Black Country Development Corporation area, assisting a number of areas classified by DOE as suffering urban deprivation.
2. The cost of Line One is expected to be approximately #145 million. The Department is contributing #80 million plus EDRF cover. Altram, the consortium who will build and operate the system is contributing #11.5 million and taking on the cost and revenue risk. The EDRF is contributing #31 million. The local authorities have raised #23 million.
# = pounds sterling
Railnews Archive ::: 1995-11-13 DoT-001
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1995-07-13 Norris gives green light to Midland Metro (Department of Transport)
1995-07-13 Norris gives green light to Midland Metro (Department of Transport)