Of the three West Midlands Metro extensions currently being built the last set to open in full will be the Birmingham Eastside line with trams not likely to reach Digbeth until 2026 because of delays in the HS2 construction at Curzon Street – tram work cannot take place until this is completed. Despite that far away date work is still underway where it can be and on Monday 15th May 2023, Ken Jones took a walk along the route to see what recent progress has been made.
As most will be aware the Eastside extension starts at the junction of Bull Street and Corporation Street where a delta junction has been installed. This view is taken from Bull Street with Corporation Street on the right and the extension straight ahead.
At Dale End demolition work continues on the old McDonald’s building (due to be completed by the summer). In this photo we are on Albert Street where a tramstop is due to be provided.
Curzon Street Station which will be the home of HS2 services in Birmingham City Centre. Work here will mean it won’t be until 2026 at least before trams can run this far but when they do a stop should be provided in the vicinity.
In Digbeth and tracklaying has commenced. Just beyond the fencing we see some of the track already down close to Meriden Street.
Track in the road with Birmingham Coach Station on the right. Another stop should be located in this area.
Landscaping has been taking place outside the Coach Station as part of the public realm improvements.
Track continues to be laid. This is outside the Bull Ring Trading Estate which is located on High Deritend which is where the line will end.
And this is the very end of the line at the junction with Alcester Street. (All Photographs by Ken Jones, 15th May 2023)
This is another extension that will see completed tracks lying unused in the streets for years because the rail works at the terminus remain unfinished. This seems to be following in the footsteps of the Blackpool North and Wolverhampton Station delays.