Next stage of Metro due to start this September Transport chiefs warn of up to a year of city centre disruption

WORK on the next stage of the Birmingham Westside Metro extension will begin at the start of September, with transport bosses warning of nearly 12 months of extensive traffic disruption in the city.

But they called on drivers to be patient and insisted the work will be well worth it.

The Midland Metro Alliance, working on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, will begin work to extend the Metro line from Victoria Square to Centenary Square on September 3.

From that date Paradise Circus will close in both directions until the summer of 2019.

The A38 Queensway underpass, which runs beneath Paradise Circus, will remain open in both directions for the duration of the works to allow access to and from the Aston Expressway and M6.

Traffic marshals will be in place 24/7 to assist drivers wishing to access Holliday Street from Suffolk Street Queensway.

Centenary Square will also be closed to vehicles. Bus services using this route will be diverted via Sheepcote Street and Bath Row.

The Birmingham Westside Metro extension follows the Metro extension from St Chads to Grand Central, which opened for passenger service in May 2016.

Once completed, the Metro will operate between Grand Central and Hagley Road in Edgbaston, improving transport links in the heart of Birmingham, making journeys faster and more accessible, in turn helping businesses and supporting more jobs.

Five new tram stops will connect passengers to Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Brindleyplace, Five Ways and Hagley Road, with links to popular attractions including the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall.

The hope is that more people will use the Metro in this area, reducing road congestion in the city centre, as well as improving sustainable transport options Street and beyond.

The first phase of the works, anticipated to open for passenger service in late 2019, will see the route extend from Grand Central to Centenary Square.

The second phase of the route, anticipated to open for passenger service in 2021 in time for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, will continue to Edgbaston.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “The continued expansion of the West Midlands Metro network is a real success story for the region and this extension is a major milestone in taking it forward.

“That we are already at such a key stage in taking it from Birmingham city centre up to Centenary Square and beyond to Edgbaston is really good news. along Broad

“Inevitably with such a massive engineering project there are going to be knock-on effects to existing traffic as work takes place, but I would urge people who may be affected to consider the bigger picture.

“By better connecting our towns and cities we create a transport network that strengthens economic growth, creates jobs, and helps bring greater prosperity to this region.”

Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “Whilst works to construct this next stage are ongoing, it is important for people to plan ahead, consider using public transport or retiming their journeys wherever possible.”

For further information, www.metroalliance.co.uk

Inevitably with such a massive engineering project there are going to be knock-on effects Andy Street

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