The sight of trams in service on the West Midlands Metro Birmingham Eastside extension (or at least part of it) has moved a step closer following the announcement that the first phase of the installation of track on Moor Street Queensway has been completed.
In total 315 metres of double track is now in place on Lower Bull Street (from the delta junction with the line up Bull Street and onto Corporation Street). Through Dale End, Albert Street and into Moor Street Queensway.
The Midland Metro Alliance construction team have now moved to the other side of the carriageway to begin works on the second half of the extension. Spades hit the ground along the dual carriageway earlier this year and they have made considerable progress in completing work in Moor Street Queensway with preliminary activities, including the removal of the road surface and works to upgrade and divert underground utilities, now underway for phase two.
The new track now installed will eventually lead to a previously announced temporary tramstop outside the Clayton Hall which will allow this part of the route to open in 2025/26/. The remainder of the route will not be able to open for a number of years as construction can’t take place around Curzon Street until HS2 work is completed there.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “The news that the extension is taking shape will be welcomed by city centre businesses and commuters – we all want to see this Metro extension up and running as soon as possible. When complete the temporary stop will make a huge difference for visitors to Millenium Point and Birmingham City University – as well as offer a better link to rail services at Moor Street Station. This investment in public transport will help us tackle the traffic congestion which blights our towns and cities, improve our air quality and meet the climate change challenge.”
The work along Moor Street Queensway is expected to be completed in the autumn which will allow buses to return to their normal routes having been diverted during the works.
Maria Ion, Project Director from the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “It’s always rewarding to mark a major milestone on this project and I am thrilled to see the first half of tracks now in place into Moor Street Queensway. The team continue to work extremely hard to deliver this extension and I am sure that those in the area are excited to see the continued progress.”
Eventually the Eastside extension will run for 1.7km running from Bull Street to Digbeth. It will provide interchange with both the HS2 station at Curzon Street as well as Birmingham Coach Station. Over half the route will be built without overhead wires.