Eastside Metro build moves into next phase at Curzon Street

Completion of the final link in Birmingham’s metro extension has begun, after contractors moved onto Curzon Street to complete a section of track which passes underneath HS2.

Midland Metro Alliance, which is delivering the project on behalf of Transport for West Midlands, have been granted access to the first section of land on the HS2 site to prepare the ground for track laying, with the line between Bull Street and Digbeth Coach Station due to be finished by 2028.

Handover of the second section of land at Curzon Street is scheduled next year, with a tunnel set to be built under the new station to allow trams to pass underneath.

“Getting spades in the ground at the HS2 Curzon Street site is a major step forward for our tram network,” said Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands.

“This final section bridges the gap between Bull Street and Digbeth, opening up crucial local connections and driving investment right into the heart of Birmingham. It also lays the foundations to extend Metro services out to the Sports Quarter and beyond.”

Works is continuing on the metro extension on New Canal Street in Digbeth. Credit: Place Midlands

The mile-long extension to Birmingham’s metro system will add four permanent stops serving the east of Birmingham city centre, including the HS2 station, with a terminus built at Deritend.

The extension has been built in stages, with a stop opening to passengers at Millennium Point in April this year as part of the first phase. Works on the other end of the extension, running through Digbeth High Street into Meriden Street have now been completed, with work continuing at New Canal Street, near the Tea Factory.

Jonathan Berry, HS2 Ltd’s Project Director for Curzon Street station said: “The Eastside Metro extension will bring huge benefits for Birmingham – improving public transport links through Digbeth and boosting access to jobs and education opportunities.

“That’s why we’ve been working really hard with our contractors and TfWM to agree the two-stage handover of the land they need under the station so work can begin as soon as possible.

“We’re making strong progress on the main site and remain on track to handover the rest of the space needed for the tram in spring next year.”