All track on Lower Bull Street has nearly been installed following a recent successful concrete pour. Lower Bull Street is the first section of the Birmingham Eastside extension after the delta junction at Corporation Street/Bull Street but its still likely to be some time before trams get to travel on this track due to delays further on the extension.
A total of 200m3 of concrete – sustainably mixed concrete no less – was poured around the delta junction and this has been described as a major milestone in the project. Work on the laying of track will continue over the next few months with the work to be completed in the summer which will allow buses to return to Lower Bull Street.
Cllr Liz Clements, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member of Transport, said: “This Metro extension is a key part of Birmingham’s response to the challenge of climate change as the new route will provide a sustainable option for travel across the city. It is exciting to see that such significant progress has been made and that our collective efforts to combat the climate emergency are even being considered during design and delivery. I look forward to further milestones being achieved in this next stage of the project.”
The Birmingham Eastside extension runs for 1.7km to Digbeth and will serve both Birmingham Coach Station and Curzon Street HS2 Station. The full route won’t be able to open until at least 2026 as construction work around Curzon Street can’t start until the HS2 station is completed, however, consideration is being given to opening a temporary stop to allow at least some of the route to welcome passengers earlier.