As we saw last week the first tram has now been tested on the West Midlands Metro Birmingham Westside extension and further work is now underway to complete the infrastructure ahead of services beginning “by the end of 2019”. Ken Jones paid a recent visit to see what was going on.
Pinfold Street has now been temporarily closed to all access (even the limited pedestrian access is not currently possible) with a concentration on finishing works of the pavement and road surface now that all the track is down and has been proven to be fine for trams to operate over. Trams are still only able to use the one platform at Grand Central whilst this work continues but presumably the next few months will see normal operations recommence and trams will be able to use the crossover on Stephenson Street opposite the Ian Allan bookshop once more. And speaking of Ian Allan, the closing down signs have now unfortunately gone up on the shop with it due to close later this month for the last time.
At the end of Stephenson Street the familiar pink Midland Metro Alliance barriers are in place as work is underway between the current and new lines.
Looking up Pinfold Street where the trams will climb towards Victoria Square.
Finishing works on Pinfold Street with the bricks being put own as the main surface rather than the usual tarmac.
The top end of Pinfold Street looking into Victoria Square.
Curving into Victoria Square where Queen Victoria keeps an eye on the construction! (All Photographs by Ken Jones, 3rd September 2019)