Although we now know that we don’t know when the Birmingham Eastside extension of the West Midlands Metro will open or even whether it will open in two sections because of the complications of HS2 work at Curzon Street, work is continuing on those sections which can be worked on.
One of the most obvious areas which is currently being worked on is at Dale End where shops are in the process of being demolished. These shops – which used to include a McDonald’s until it was closed – are in the way of the route of the line shortly after it uses the already installed delta junction between Bull Street and Corporation Street. (Dale End is located at the far end of Lower Bull Street which has already seen some track installed). Their demolition is expected to continue this year ahead of more tracklaying being able to take place.
The full Eastside extension is due to travel to Digbeth with the route being a total length of 1.7km. It will eventually include four new stops including links to Birmingham Coach Station and the Curzon Street HS2 station. Unfortunately, its not expected that construction work around the HS2 station will be able to start until 2026 so consideration is being given to a temporary stop being built next to the Clayton Hotel to serve both Moor Street Railway Station and Birmingham City University campus.
A view down towards Dale End showing progress on the demolition. (Photograph by Mark Cufflin, 3rd March 2023)
The temporary stop would also be useful for the army of construction workers building the new station
That would be interesting if it happens and hope they keep it if is popular