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Substation installation works on Five Ways roundabout
Phase One of the Birmingham Westside Metro extension to Library tram stop now open!
Did you know that we publish a regular newsletter on the progress of the Birmingham Westside Metro extension? This is the latest edition of Westside Weekly and back issues can be found by visiting Publications.
Extension Overview
The Birmingham Westside Metro extension to Centenary Square was the next phase of works following the West Midlands Metro extension from St Chads to Grand Central, and opened for passengers ahead of schedule in December 2019.
The first phase of construction was between Grand Central, past Birmingham’s Town Hall to Centenary Square. The extension provides West Midlands Metro stops serving Victoria Square and the Paradise and Arena Central developments at the redeveloped Centenary Square.
The 840 metre route is the first in the UK to operate on battery power throughout. Metro operation on battery power removes the need to fix electric wires to the listed buildings along the route, reducing the aesthetic and environmental footprint of the project.
The Midland Metro Alliance will be also improving the public realm as part of their works in the area project, including planting trees along the route.
The headline benefits of this route are…
- More people using the West Midlands Metro in this area for day-to-day travel, resulting in journey time savings and reduced congestion
- Improving accessibility to and from the west of Birmingham and supporting economic and population growth by linking jobs and people
- Improving sustainable transport options in the city centre, along Broad Street and beyond
- Environmental benefits, such as improved air quality and reduction in noise
- Regeneration across the area including the interface with enterprise zone and the major developments throughout the area
What is the programme for delivery?
Construction for the first phase of the Birmingham Westside extension to Centenary Square completed ahead of schedule, opening to passengers in December 2019.
Construction for phase two (Library to Edgbaston) began in 2019. Much of the activity for the route took place safely during the Covid-19 pandemic through 2020 and 2021, and the line is planned to open for passenger service in early 2022.
What service is expected to run on the extension?
- Service frequency is six minutes service during peak times with an eight-minute service off-peak.
- Monday to Friday: 04:40 to 00:15
- Saturday: 04:40 to 01:00
- Sunday: 07:20 to 00:10 at 15 minute frequency
- For more information, please visit the operator at www.westmidlandsmetro.com
What are you doing?
The Midland Metro Alliance is working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands to construct a Metro extension, which when completed, will operate from Grand Central to Hagley Road in Edgbaston.
When will the Birmingham Westside Extension open to the public?
Phase one of the extension to Library tram stop in Centenary Square opened ahead of schedule in December 2019. It is expected that trams will operate to Edgbaston later in early 2022.
How does this extension connect to the tram currently running through Birmingham city centre?
West Midlands Metro currently serves Birmingham City Centre at the Library terminus in Centenary Square. When the second phase of construction is completed on the Birmingham Westside extension trams will continue down Broad Street to Five Ways, Edgbaston.
Will this have an impact on residents, visitors, businesses and traffic in the area?
Unavoidably, city centre construction will have some disruption during the works but we aim to minimise this wherever possible.
How long are the works going to last?
Construction for phase two (Centenary Square to Edgbaston) is well-underway, with passenger service planned to commence in 2022. The majority of main construction will be completed in 2020, with finishing works and essential testing planned for 2021.
What roads will be affected?
Although we aim to minimise disruption wherever possible for public transport users, road users, businesses and residents, the works will require traffic changes to be implemented.
Will the bus services be affected?
There are bus diversion routes in operation and we recommend you check with your bus operator.
Where will the tram be running to and from?
When the extension is fully open, the tram will run from Grand Central to Hagley Road in Edgbaston.
The first phase of the extension to Centenary Square opened in December 2019, while the route to Edgbaston via Broad Street will open in 2022.
Can I still walk along Broad Street?
Yes, access along Broad Street is maintained for pedestrians, although as paving works progress there will be some short pedestrian diversion routes in place.
How do I get to the car park on Bishopsgate Street?
Please follow the clearly signed diversion routes.
I have a business on Broad Street. Will access be maintained?
Yes, access is maintained at all times. Should you require bespoke assistance, for example with deliveries, please feel free to contact us at communcations@metroalliance.co.uk and a member of the team will be in touch.
How will I be kept updated on the works?
Please follow us on Twitter: @midlandtram Facebook: Midland Metro Alliance and Instagram: @midlandmetroalliance for regular updates.