First track laid at Five Ways underpass

We saw in our recent Photo Gallery and now Transport for West Midlands have written a press release about it! The first sections of track have now been laid in Five Ways underpass as the project to build the second phase of the Birmingham Westside extension continues at a pace.

Around 300 metres of double track has been laid and this means that approximately 10% of the line has now been laid and welded into place. The line will eventually run to Hagley Road in Edgbaston with opening expected in 2021. The first phase of this extension opened to Library in December 2019.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I am delighted that we have reached yet another milestone in the expansion of the Midland Metro in Birmingham. After recently opening stops at Victoria Square and Centenary Square, it is great to see the track now already laid for the extension up Broad Street. For decades the West Midlands was left behind when it came to transport investment, and so it is incredibly pleasing to be able to get on and deliver for the people of the region. This extension in particular will help bring some great benefits to the West Midlands, not least better connectivity and a boost to the local economy.”

Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “It is great news that seven months after the underpass closed to traffic construction has hit a significant milestone and tram tracks have been installed at Five Ways. I’m sure those who live, work and visit Birmingham will be pleased to see that construction on this important public transport project continues to progress. We want to encourage everyone to consider alternatives to the car wherever possible.”

* Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that, as expected, the West Midlands Combined Authority board have approved the plans for the Birmingham Eastside extension.

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