Thursday 20th March was another day where a significant milestone towards the opening of the West Midlands Metro Birmingham Eastside extension was reached with the installation of the switch and crossing infrastructure for its temporary terminus outside the Clayton Hotel.
This is a key piece of infrastructure and is one of the final elements of track to be delivered in the current phase of work and should lead to testing and commissioning of the extension in the coming months.
As you will no doubt remember, the Eastside extension will eventually run through to High Street Deritend but owing to HS2 works on the way at Curzon Street it will be some time before it can get that far. To ensure that at least some of the line can welcome passengers earlier than it might it was agreed to install additional infrastructure at the Clayton Hotel to allow a temporary terminus to be provided. The complex operation to install the track, saw the large and intricate switch and crossing unit carefully lowered into its final position.
West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, said: “The Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension is making great progress. It will connect more people in Birmingham and the Black Country to our transport network, linking directly to Curzon Street and high-speed rail. We’re already seeing the impact, with businesses and new developments in Digbeth and Eastside preparing for better transport links. This isn’t just about laying new tracks; it’s about giving people better access to jobs, education, and leisure, making everyday journeys easier. Good transport unlocks opportunity, and I’ll keep pushing to deliver a network that works for everyone across the West Midlands.”
Anne Shaw, Executive Director of Transport for West Midlands, commented: “The installation of this piece of equipment is a massive sign that the phased opening of this Metro route is coming ever closer. The transformation of the Moor Street and Albert Street areas, so far delivered in less than a year, is remarkable and I’m excited that locals and visitors to Birmingham will be able to benefit from an even better-connected public transport hub linking buses, trams and trains as construction begins to wrap-up.”
Maria Ion, Midland Metro Alliance Project Director, said: “Installing this switch and crossing was an exceptionally complex engineering challenge which demanded meticulous coordination by our talented team to integrate this crucial track component. The installation of the unit, which will enable trams to change tracks and reach the temporary terminus, required detailed planning and execution, considering ground conditions, alignment, safety, and future route connectivity. The successful installation highlights the remarkable skill and commitment of all our teams and this achievement demonstrates their considerable expertise and dedication to delivering this tram extension.”
The first stage of the Eastside extension – which will add two new stops to the network – will run as far as Moor Street Queensway and is hoped to be ready to open in 2025/6. If this schedule is kept to it may actually be a race between this extension and that to Dudley in opening!