The construction of the West Midlands Metro Birmingham Eastside extension is now entering a new phase with work starting on Moor Street Queensway with road closures (and bus stop changes) being introduced from early April in preparation for the work. The work is due to be continuing until Autumn 2024.
This phase of works will see the tracks which already been laid in Lower Bull Street to be extended through Albert Street. This will also enable the temporary tramstop installed outside of the Clayton Hall – a key part of the project as this will allow at least part of the extension to open ahead of the full line being completed which is heavily reliant on the Midland Metro Alliance being able to start works around the HS2 station at Curzon Street which can’t happen until that project is finished.
During the work Albert Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and taxi ranks have been relocated to Corporation Street (opposite the Square Peg). A number of bus services will also be affected by works and have to serve different stops – this includes 23 sets of bus routes.
This is the bottom end of Lower Bull Street (where McDonalds once stood). Cars are having to do three point turns as there is no entry ahead and buses only are allowed in Lower Bull Street.
Albert Street is now closed. Although we’re not sure that the ROAD CLOSED sign is that necessary as you would have thought the great big fence and gate in the way was a bit of a giveaway!
Moor Street Queensway where trams will cross close and head for the Clayton Hotel (the first white building on the right).
The bottom of Albert Street where there is now no pedestrian access. (All Photographs by Ken Jones, 15th April 2024)