The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has authorised two new station buildings and other significant enhancements at University railway station in Birmingham, paving the way for its opening in the next few weeks.
This is a major milestone for the project, which will significantly improve rail connectivity and the passenger experience in the city. The upgrades will see the station's capacity increase from half a million passengers per year to over 2.6 million, according to figures published by ORR.
The new station buildings are linked by an accessible rail link bridge, and there are new signage, lighting, CCTV, and other systems throughout. ORR previously authorised other upgrades to University, including wider and longer platforms, to allow them to enter into service ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
ORR's authorisation confirms that the project has met all necessary safety, accessibility, and environmental standards. The organisation has worked closely with the funders, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), throughout the project to ensure that all requirements were met.
"This is a significant upgrade which helps Birmingham and the West Midlands provide improved access for some of the region's most important institutions," said Dermot Kelly, Head of Civil Engineering at ORR. "We're pleased to have played our part in getting the station ready to open."
Kate Trevorrow, Rail Delivery Director with TfWM, said: "With the authorisation from the ORR, we have completed a critical step on the way to the finish line for the University Station buildings. We are now making final preparations and look forward to opening in the near future."
The opening of the new University railway station is a major boost for Birmingham and the West Midlands. The station will provide much-needed capacity for the growing rail network in the region and will improve access to the University of Birmingham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Photo Credit: ORR/WMCA
Video Credit: Peter Plisner/Clever Conclusions Ltd.
