British Trams Online

Home > Photos Index > Gallery 843

Gallery 843: West Midlands Metro Birmingham Westside extension opens - December 2019

After several years construction and months of testing/driver training the Birmingham Westside extension on the West Midlands Metro opened to the public with no pre-announcement on Wednesday 11th December 2019. Continuing beyond the terminus at Grand Central the line heads up the steep gradient of Pinfold Street before entering Victoria Square where a new stop at Town Hall is provided and then onto Centenary Square where a new temporary terminus at Library has been provided. With the line being built without any overhead the tram lower their pantographs at Grand Central before continuing onto the new line with only those trams fitted with batteries now able to operate. This collection actually starts in November when we take a look at both trams under test but also the new infrastructure in place before we reach 11th December and see the first public service tram movements on the line when 36 has the honour of operating the first working. Its then a look at trams on the extension as well as a quick view of two of new signage on the line.

Photographers: Mike Averill, Mark Cufflin, Mike Haddon, Ken Jones, Martin Miller, Simon Robinson, Andrew Rutter & Andy Walters
Photographs taken between Wednesday 20th November and Friday 13th December 2019

Pinfold Street

Town Hall

Library

Town Hall sign

Library

28 & 25

20 & 37

Grand Central sign

Next stop Town Hall

Next stop Library

Map

19 & 34

Onwards

Return to Photos Index

This page was last updated on Sunday 15th December 2019

British Trams Online is run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. All information contained on these pages is correct to the best of knowledge but mistakes will inevitably occasionally appear and if this happens we will correct it as soon as possible. Opinions expressed on these pages are those of the writer(s) and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of British Trams Online or any organisations we are associated with. Cookies may be used on this website and if you continue reading the site without changing your settings we assume you are happy to receive these. If you have any comments, suggestions or corrections please email.