Whilst the plans to extend the West Midlands Metro in various directions has not been without its problems (delays to lines opening, funding concerns leading to the splitting into phases of extensions to name but two) there is still progress continuing to be made – none more so than on the Birmingham Eastside extension which has seen the first track recently laid in front of Birmingham Coach Station.
The Birmingham Eastside extension still doesn’t have a planned opening date – probably wise considering how delayed some lines on the network have been! – with the work having to be integrated with that of HS2’s Birmingham station at Curzon Street but when it does eventually open it will run for 1.7km between Bull Street and High Street Deritend. It will leave the current Birmingham City Centre line at the recently installed delta junction between Bull Street and Corporation Street before running by way of Albert Street, Curzon Street, Meriden Street and Birmingham Coach Station.
Work on parts of the extension came to a temporary halt during the Commonwealth Games but it is now full steam ahead again with the major tangible progress being seen outside Birmingham Coach Station (close to the line’s terminus) where the first sections of track have been laid on the track base. This includes track heading in both directions. The Midland Metro Alliance spent more than ten hours successfully installing the rail and sleepers.
Cllr Liz Clements, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: ““I’m really pleased to see that good progress is being made on the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension. Not only is it a significant milestone, it allows people to visualise what the area will look like when the trams are in operation. This Metro extension is a key part of Birmingham’s response to the challenge of climate change and this new route will provide a sustainable option for travel across the city.”
A view through the fence by the Coach Station showing the first track now in position. (Photograph by Mark Cufflin, 6th September 2022)