Construction begins on Birmingham Metro extension

Thu 14 Jan 2021

Work on the first of the three new tram stops on the Birmingham Metro extension began in December. The extension is along the Birmingham Westside Metro to Edgbaston and the first stop to be worked on is Broad Street.

The construction of the three new tram stops is the second phase of the overall extension after the final stretch of track was completed earlier last year. From the completion of the first stage, the construction workers were eager to continue with the project and construction of the second phase (the first tram stop) began very quickly.

Andy Street, the West Midlands mayor is extremely happy with the progress of the construction, saying “we are celebrating yet another milestone for this important project, even as we navigate through these difficult times, is a brilliant achievement. The installation beginning on the first tram stop along Broad Street is a clear sign that we are entering the final stage of construction, bringing us closer to unlocking the significant economic benefits the extension will bring to every part of our region.”

The route is predicted to be open to the public late 2021 depending on the impact on potential Covid-19 restrictions. The new tram stops will allow passengers to travel between Brindleyplace, Five Ways and Hagley road making commuting even easier than before.

As of now, the project has continued throughout the Covid-19 pandemic as government guidelines were followed to keep all staff safe throughout. This is hoped to continue throughout 2021 until the project is completed in full. 

Peter Cushing, Midland Metro Alliance director said “Construction has been escalated in areas during the pandemic in order to benefit the businesses, so it is great to see the team’s hard work now starting to pay off. All at the alliance share great pride in delivering such a transformative tram extension for the city and we are all delighted to see the area beginning to take shape.”

 

Source: https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/construction-begins-on-first-new-tram-stop-of-birmingham-metro-extension-18-12-2020/