We recently bemoaned the apparent lack of tangible progress on the Birmingham Eastside extension on the West Midlands Metro but it would appear that is not the case as there has been initial preparation work taking place in Digbeth ahead of tracklaying commencing.
Work has been taking place on Digbeth High Street where new paving has been installed along the length of the northern side of the road which has allowed work to transfer to the other side ahead of tracklaying getting underway later next year. This significant step in the project has meant that all traffic travelling in and out of the city will now use the new carriageway laid as part of the scheme whilst the opposite side of the road (next to the coach station) will be transformed into a segregated tramway and pedestrian and public boulevard.
Michael Anderson, Metro Programme Director at TfWM, said: “It is great to see construction on the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension moving in the right direction. As with most construction projects of this kind it has not come without its challenges, but the completion of the main urban realm activity marks a new and exciting phase of this ambitious scheme, and welcome improvement for business and residents in the area with a new and open aspect to Digbeth High Street. It means that the team can start to prepare for track to be laid on the opposite side of the high street which is when the extension will really start to take shape. This project will be a game-changer for those living, working and visiting the Eastside of the city, as its links with HS2 will help improve connectivity in the Digbeth area as well as to other parts of the region.”
Construction for the extension has been taking place on the Custard Factory side of Digbeth High Street and surrounding side streets since Summer 2021. Since then the Midland Metro Alliance has made progress including utility diversions, the installation of the first rail and the demolition of the Hartwell’s building.
Hamish Falconer, Project Manager from the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “We are delighted that this phase of our street scene improvement works are now completed in Digbeth. The removal of the majority of the fencing in this section has allowed the area to be opened up further to pedestrians just in time for the festive period. Though urban realm activity on the northern side of the high street has been completed, works, such as the installation of planters, bus shelters and street furniture, will continue.”
The activity on the High Street has been taking place at the same time as other works in the Lower Bull Street and Dale End areas of the city, which has seen significant progress with the start of works to demolish the Kings Parade building.
The 1.7km extension will run from Bull Street to High Street Deritend adding four new stops to the West Midlands Metro network. Around half the route will be built without overhead wires.