The redevelopment of Birmingham’s University railway station has hit a new milestone with the installation of a new canal bridge.
The new bridge spans the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and will offer passengers a link between the station and the University of Birmingham campus when it opens next summer.
The current station building dates back to the 1970’s and is one of the busiest stations in the region.
Redevelopment of the station will cost £56 million and will afford passengers greater capacity and comfort.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands explained how the redevelopment has progressed well and will benefit commuters.
Mr Street said: “I am delighted to see how much progress has been made in just a few months.
“It really is an impressive achievement that progress has been made so quickly on the new station while the busy Cross City Line and existing station are continuing to stay open.
“The current station is stretched well beyond its capacity and isn’t fit for purpose anymore.
“This work will make a real difference to the thousands of commuters that use the station every single day”.
Councillor Karen McCarthy from Birmingham City Council spoke on the importance of the redevelopment.
Cllr McCarthy said: “Improved public transport and better access to rail links is vital for neighbourhoods like Selly Oak and Edgbaston, and those travelling into the university and hospitals.
“It will also help reduce congestion and improve air quality as we work towards become a net zero carbon city.”
The station buildings are being assembled from a 480-tonne flat pack structure.
Parts are being produced off-site and assembled on-site to help speed up construction.
The main building is located on Vincent Drive and a smaller second building can be found between the railway line and canal.
