Trams are expected to ‘return soon’ to serve all stops in Birmingham city center after the completion of major works – after weeks of disruption to buyers, residents and local businesses.
Critical maintenance and upgrades along the streetcar on Corporation Street are complete after successful testing and new track laying over the summer.
Midland Metro Limited, the operator of the West Midlands metro, is now preparing to take further action from November before trams can once again serve all city center stops.
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Customers are advised to follow West Midlands Metro for the latest service updates.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
The major project, which started on July 24, was carried out as part of a commitment by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) to invest in “revolutionary new lines”.
“The Midland Metro Alliance team has been working hard since the summer to complete this essential activity as quickly as possible, and I would like to thank them for their hard work in ensuring that this work was completed on time and on time. high standard, ”said Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands.
“I’m sure everyone in the city center will be delighted to see the West Midlands Tube return to the heart of Birmingham, which means people can get out and get around more easily and enjoy what’s on offer as we look forward to the holiday season. “
The original trail, helping connect Snow Hill to Grand Central, had only been opened by Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne five years and two months earlier, in May 2016.
With a new “delta junction” needed at the junction of Bull Street and Lower Bull Street to serve the future £ 227million Eastside line to Digbeth from 2025, it was decided to replace the old track. .
This complex engineering project has seen over 300 people employed, many of whom are from the West Midlands.
The work consisted of breaking up the existing road and rail before innovative precast concrete bases were installed to maintain the new tracks.
(Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive)
The replacement rails were then laid and welded in place, after which the remaining concrete and road surface were installed and traffic, tram signaling and overhead lines were restored.
Stephen Christopher, Construction Manager at Midland Metro Alliance, said: “A total of 75,000 man hours were logged as we worked day and night to complete this important project.
“We would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding since the work began this summer. “
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Midland Metro Alliance has returned the streetcar to Midland Metro Limited and residents are reminded that there will be streetcar traffic before full service resumes once the final tests are completed.
Sophie Allison, Commercial Director of Midland Metro Limited, added: “We look forward to resuming full tram services. This is great news for customers, and we would like to thank them for their patience during the construction.
“As part of our continued investment in the existing line, there will be localized maintenance in November and December, which people can learn more about on our website. “
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