Bright future down the track as Metro extension rails laid
THE first track has been laid as part of the new Metro extension from New Street Station to Broad Street and beyond.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street joined other dignitaries from the region in Victoria Square to lay the first part of the Metro extension up to Centenary Square.
The project, which is expected to cost nearly £150 million, is currently running on schedule, with passenger trams due to be running by the end of 2019. It is one of many transport projects taking place in the next few years, with a further 1.35 kilometre extension taking the tram to Hagley Road, Edgbaston, set to be completed in 2021.
Mr Street said that the projects will be vital in improving transport in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
“We’ve given a commitment that for the Commonwealth Games we’ll have a number of transport improvement across the West Midlands set up,” he said.
“Obviously the Metro extensions, but also we’re committed to the sprint network as well, and particularly for the Commonwealth Games the link between the Alexander Stadium into the city centre.
“We’ll have the cycle super highways ready for then as well, and of course we’ve now said that we’re hoping to get the new railway lines open as well for then.
“So the whole idea is that as we move toward 2022 there is much more choice. And that means there can be less traffic on the roads, and the whole place can run more smoothly than it does at the moment.”
Minister of State for Trans- port Jesse Norman MP was among those in Victoria Square to see the first tracks laid.
The minister said he believes that the Commonwealth Games could have the same impact on the West Midlands as the 2012 Olympics had on London.
“I’m really glad that Andy Street and others have taken the kind of lead they have in seeing that opportunity, and trying to get not just the city but the entire country behind the energy we have here. I think it’s very exciting,” he said.
“Anyone who was in London for the Olympics saw the transformative impact it had on the city, and I think the Commonwealth Games could have something like the same effect on Birmingham.
“And I think nothing but good will come from that.”