Monday 3rd September will see the next stage of works to extend West Midlands Metro start with Paradise Circus closed to traffic in both directions. This is part of the Birmingham Westside extension from Victoria Square to Centenary Square.
Steve Grimes, Midland Metro Alliance Project Director, explains more: “Since the beginning of July, we have been working hard with our partners to ensure those living, working and travelling to Birmingham are aware of the upcoming closure and so able to plan their journeys around it. During the closure we are encouraging people to plan their journeys in advance, use public transport if they can and ensure they allow extra time or re-time their travel, wherever possible.”
The Birmingham Westside extension will open in two stages with the first stage from Grand Central to Victoria Square scheduled to open in late 2019 ahead of the full line to Edgbaston in 2021.
Paradise Circus is set to remain closed until summer 2019 with traffic diverted around the area. Traffic marshals will be in place 24/7 to assist drivers wishing to access Holliday Street from Suffolk Street Queensway.
Meanwhile at the other end of the line in Wolverhampton, Pipers Row has now reopened to traffic as work on phase two of this extension reaches another milestone. Work continues on phase three which has seen Railway Drive closed to traffic. Although the tramlines continue to be put into place trams are not expected to be seen on this route until 2020 once all redevelopment is concluded at the railway station.