More progress on Metro scheme as utility upgrades get underway in Digbeth

Construction on the Metro extension to Digbeth will move further forward when works to upgrade utility services in Meriden Street get underway.

Works for the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension are already underway in Lower Bull Street and Digbeth High Street and more progress will be visible on the scheme when diversion works begin in Meriden Street next week.

The Midland Metro Alliance (MMA), working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), will be carrying out the essential activity in phases in preparation for main construction to start later in the year.

Initial activity got underway yesterday when temporary traffic signals were installed on Allison Street ahead of Meriden Street becoming one way, between Coventry Street and Bordesley Street, from next Monday.

Activity will then switch to the other side of the road later in the programme before the works are completed in November.

Mosin Khurshid, Head of Utilities at MMA, said: “It is incredibly exciting to be progressing the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension even further this year with the start of works to uncover and upgrade the utilities in Meriden Street.

“Construction for this scheme has been well underway in parts of the city centre and Digbeth since late 2020 and I am delighted that we are now in a position to begin even more activity this time on Meriden Street.

“Unfortunately, these works will lead to some disruption for road users but we have been and will continue to work closely with Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands to minimise impact wherever possible. ”

Access to all businesses on Meriden Street will be maintained during the works and motorists visiting the area are being advised to plan ahead, leave more time for their journeys and use real-time travel information provided by West Midlands Roads to keep the travelling public moving.

Mark Corbin, Director of Network Resilience for TfWM, said: “January can be a busy time for the road network with many people resuming their normal activities following the festive break, so it is important that we ensure the travelling public are able to keep moving as easily as possible.

“This is why we will continue to work with the Midland Metro Alliance to make sure motorists are kept up to date during the development of this important Metro scheme. Live travel reports are available from @WMroads for those travelling in the area during the upcoming works. ”

Midland Metro Alliance has been working over the past few weeks to ensure those in the area are informed of the upcoming activity.

The £227m Birmingham Eastside Metro extension, will run from Bull Street, in the city centre, to Digbeth, adding four new tram stops to the Metro network.

More than half of the 1.7km route is planned to be free of overhead wires, similar to extension from Grand Central to Centenary Square.