Its another week and another photo opportunity for local dignitaries in the West Midlands! This time the Mayor of the West Midlands and others were on Broad Street in Birmingham City Centre where the first tramstop for phase two of the Birmingham Westside extension is now under construction.
The tramstop on Broad Street is one of three which will be built on the route (the others being at Five Ways and the Hagley Road, Edgbaston terminus) with the line due to open to the public during 2021. It will see the first phase of the Westside line extended from the current Library stop along Broad Street through the Five Ways underpass before terminating in Edgbaston.
As well as viewing the work on the stop the party also saw the final ten metres of track on Broad Street being welded into place while the iconic Black Sabbath bench was also put back into place after the completion of paving works.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: “That we are celebrating yet another milestone for this important project, even as we navigate through these difficult times, is a brilliant achievement. The installation beginning on the first tram stop along Broad Street is a clear sign that we are entering the final stage of construction, bringing us closer to unlocking the significant economic benefits the extension will bring to every part of our region. This extension is a key part of our plan to recharge the region’s economy as we recover from the impact of Covid-19, and it is exciting to think people will be using this stop as early as next year.”
Peter Cushing, Director of the Midland Metro Alliance, added: “It is incredibly exciting to celebrate the first tram stop shelter beginning to be installed on Broad Street. Construction has been escalated in areas during the pandemic in order to benefit the businesses so it is great to see the team’s hard work now starting to pay off. All at the alliance share great pride in delivering such a transformative tram extension for the city and we are all delighted to see the area beginning to take shape.”
Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, commented: “The improvement in transport links that this project will provide will no doubt have a positive impact on the city and it is fantastic to see that such great strides have been made in construction over the past few months. The extension will allow those living, working and visiting Birmingham to enjoy city centre attractions, such as the entertainment and hospitality offerings in Brindleyplace and Broad Street, by an additional form of sustainable public transport. I’d like to thank the team at the Midland Metro Alliance for their continued efforts.”