Tram work starts on the HS2 site for the final link to Digbeth

Work has started on the final stretch of the tram extension through Eastside, with contractors moving onto the HS2 Curzon Street station site for the first time.

The Midland Metro Alliance, which is building the line for the regional transport authority, has been given access to the first section of land at the site to prepare the ground for track laying.

Where the line has got to

The Eastside extension will run from Bull Street to Digbeth Coach Station, and has been built in phases.

• The section from Bull Street to a temporary stop at Millennium Point, next to the HS2 site, is open.
• Track at the other end, along Digbeth High Street and turning into Meriden Street, is complete.
• Construction is continuing along New Canal Street.

The missing piece is the link across the HS2 site. Contractors took over the first parcel of land last week to prepare for laying track from the Millennium Point stop. A second section is due to be handed over next year.

Under the station

The second section is where HS2 is placing concrete beams across structural pillars to create a tunnel, so trams can run directly beneath the new station. HS2 will carry on building Curzon Street above and around the working tramway.

Trams are expected to run all the way to Digbeth Coach Station in 2028. The Curzon Street tram stop itself will open later, along with the HS2 station.

"A major step forward"

The mayor, Richard Parker, 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's project director for Curzon Street, said the company had worked hard with its contractors and the transport authority to agree a two-stage handover so work could 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," he said.

Why it matters

The extension will link the city centre with Digbeth, one of the fastest-changing parts of Birmingham, and with the coach station, which is used by thousands of people a day. It will also serve Curzon Street, which is due to become the city's HS2 terminus.

The mention of the Sports Quarter points to a possible future extension east towards Bordesley Green, where Birmingham City's new stadium is planned on the former Wheels site.