Author Archives: Geoff Caine

About Geoff Caine

Administrator

Metro Tram Track – Update and Closure Warnings

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Advice issued by Midland Metro Alliance…

“We are pleased to inform you that the breaking out concrete works [removal of original concrete track base] have been completed today. You will have seen the rapid progression of the installation of the pre cast concrete blocks from Bull Street to Stephenson Street, track laying and welding and concrete pours during the week on several sections. For information, the delivery team will need to temporarily close the New Street crossing on Monday from 0800-1600 to facilitate a 80m concrete pour across the crossing but we will have marshals on point to redirect pedestrians. This activity is taking place to ensure that the Birmingham Pride parade is able to safely pass this point a little later in September. If you use the loading bay by Grand Central tram stop please be aware that it may affect access and egress on Stephenson Street as concrete wagons will be queuing up to drop and then leave to refill and return. “

Metro Tram Track – More Impressive Progress Made in Last 11 days

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A stretch of the tram track is having to be reconstructed – see why here.

28 August progress:
– steel rails inserted into the precast concrete blocks
– concrete poured in between the blocks (up to the brown gravel in the middle of the view below).

The whole reconstruction is scheduled to be finished in October when the trams will flow again.

This is a major operation and the workforce are engaged in it 24 hours per day including weekends.

The reputation of Midland Metro Alliance, the constructors, are at stake. This is the second closure of the line from Bull Street to Centenary square – it can’t have gone down too well with commuters, visitors and local residents.

Thankfully, a substantial amount of progress is immediately evident the last article I posted on 17 August. Much of the track now looks like a tram track and the junction of the track at the intersection of Bull Street and corporation Street is now recognisable as such.

At 28 August

At 17 August
The junction
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GRATITUDE – A Free Exhibition of 51 Sculptures in Chamberlain Square

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Gratitude is a spectacular public art display, currently in Chamberlain Square, which honours and pays tribute to the ongoing courage and dedication of NHS Staff.

It is a colourful display of sculptures which is pleasing to both grown ups and children.

Entrance is Free and is officially by ticket but yesterday (Sunday) a ticket was not needed and there were no queues.

It runs until Monday 31 August:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 – 19:00 (last entry 18:15)
Friday – Sunday and Bank Holiday: 10:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:15).

Find out more here.