18.05.16
Midland Metro extension introduction delayed over safety concerns
Birmingham’s Midland Metro extension is facing further delays after testing identified safety concerns.
Trams were scheduled to run from Bull Street to Stephenson Street from 22 May, but the service has now been put on hold indefinitely.
Extensive safety checks have already been carried out on the tram line by Centro, the delivery arm of the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority, but new checks identified track alignment concerns which must be addressed.
Phil Hewitt, Centro’s Midland Metro programme director, said: “It is bitterly disappointing as everything else is in place and ready to go but, as we have said right from the start, safety is paramount.
“A stringent testing programme has identified minor anomalies in some of the track alignment which need to be addressed. These are exactly the sort of issues the tests were designed to identify.
“However remedial work is relatively straightforward. Once that is complete, on-street driver training can begin and we will soon have passenger services running.”
A Midland Metro family fun day at Martineau Place, near the new stop in Corporation Street, which was also due to take place on 22 May, has been cancelled.
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.