The Birmingham Eastside Metro Extension project has reached another significant milestone with the installation of the switch and crossing infrastructure for its temporary terminus outside the Clayton Hotel yesterday (Thursday 20 March).
This key piece of infrastructure is one of the final elements of track to be delivered in the current phase of work and will pave the way for testing and commissioning of the extended tramway in coming months.
The complex operation saw the large and intricate switch and crossing unit carefully lowered into its final position, marking a major step forward in the delivery of the much-anticipated light rail extension. The technology installed allows for a temporary terminus to be operational and means passenger services to Moor Street Queensway and Albert Street are able to begin operating earlier as work to link the scheme through HS2 Station, Meridan Street and to Digbeth High Street get underway in the future.
Speaking of the milestone, Mayor of the West Midlands, 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 (TfWM), added: “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.”
This latest milestone follows significant progress along Moor Street Queensway, where construction is nearing completion after beginning in spring 2024. The route is being designed and delivered by the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) on behalf of TfWM.
Maria Ion, MMA project director, commented on the technical complexities of the installation: “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.”
Hamish Falconer, MMA project manager, provided further insight into the on-site activities: “From a construction perspective, the lifting into position and installation of this switch and crossing is a significant undertaking and a real milestone for the project. The successful install involves careful lifting operations using specialist machinery, followed by precise alignment configuration and welding. The team and I are especially proud of this delivery milestone and the swift transformation of the entire Moor Street Queensway area where our works only commenced around 11 months ago.”
The Birmingham Eastside Metro extension, which is being delivered in two phases, will run from Bull Street in the city centre, to Digbeth, adding five new tram stops to the Metro network as well as a new bus interchange in the Moor Street area. The first section of this route, to Moor Street Queensway, which adds two new stops, is expected to open to passengers in 2025 / 2026. More than half of the 1.7km route is planned to be free of overhead wires, similar to elements of the extensions from Grand Central to Edgbaston Village.
Image credit: Midland Metro Alliance
