Work on the West Midlands Metro Birmingham Westside extension are continuing at a pace with the Broad Street Canal Tunnel reopening on Thursday 14th March – two days ahead of schedule. This is all part of the second phase of this extension which will link Grand Central with Hagley Road, Edgbaston which is due to open in its entirety in 2021.
Broad Street Canal Tunnel has been closed to both canal and towpath traffic for 12 weeks whilst strengthening works took place. An innovative solution was used which saw steelwork fitted into the existing brickwork of the late 18th century structure. This was installed from the underside of the bridge which resulted in less noise and impact on the highway above.
Alejandro Moreno, Director of the Midland Metro Alliance, said: “We are extremely pleased that the area will be reopened to canal and towpath traffic on schedule and on budget. This is a significant step forward allowing us to forge ahead with this exciting project that will ultimately see West Midland Metro services extended from Grand Central to the new terminus at 54 Hagley Road. We thank residents, businesses and the community who use the canal for their patience during these works. ”
The Birmingham Westside extension will open in two phases with the first section between Grand Central and Centenary Square due to be ready to carry its first passengers by the end of this year. This will be the first section of the tramway to be built and operational without overhead installed. The remainder of the line (with stops at Brindleyplace, Five Ways and Hagley Road) with follow in 2021 ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.