Metro extension work starts on HS2 Curzon Street Station site

Work on the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension has now moved on to the HS2 Curzon Street Station site marking a milestone in the expansion of the region’s tram network.

The move means work is now officially underway on the final link of the extension, which will run from Bull Street to Digbeth Coach Station.

Contractors from the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) have been granted access to the first section of land on the HS2 site to prepare the ground for track laying.

MMA is delivering the project on behalf of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

The Eastside extension has been built in phases. The section from Bull Street to the temporary Millennium Point stop next to the HS2 site is now open. Tracks at the opposite end in Digbeth High Street turning into Meriden Street are also complete. Active construction work continues along New Canal Street.

Contractors took possession of the first land parcel last week to prepare for track laying from the Millennium Point stop. Handover of the second section of land is scheduled next year.

This second section is where HS2 is laying concrete beams across structural pillars to create the tunnel to allow trams to pass directly beneath the station.

Meanwhile HS2 will continue work on Curzon Street above and around the operational tramway.

The Metro works are due to be completed with passenger services to Digbeth Coach Station starting in 2028. The new tram stop at Curzon Street will open at a later date along with the HS2 station.

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

“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.”

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.”

Further information on construction: HS2 lifts first huge beams for Birmingham’s Curzon Street station