Birmingham's Eastside Metro extension: What's complete, what's next and when trams will run

Birmingham’s Eastside Metro extension is continuing to take shape, with large parts of the route now nearing completion and tram services expected to begin on the first section early this year.

Construction between Corporation Street and the temporary terminus near the Clayton Hotel is almost complete.

The route was set to open to passengers before Christmas but this pushed back after issue found during tram testing.

Most roads and pavements in the area have reopened, restoring access for drivers and pedestrians, and a new bus lane outside the hotel is already operational. Transport for West Midlands says this first section of the line should be opening early this year, subject to final testing and approvals.

The temporary terminus has been introduced to allow trams to enter service ahead of the full route to Digbeth being completed, which remains dependent on wider construction activity linked to HS2 at Curzon Street.

Read more: Further delays to West Midlands Metro Birmingham Eastside extension as testing uncovers issues

Progress and disruption in Digbeth

In Digbeth, utility works are now under way in Meriden Street, with the road closed between High Street and Bordesley Street for the next few months. Construction activity is expected to ramp up shortly.

The section between High Street and Coventry Street is currently scheduled to reopen in April 2026, with work then moving northwards in stages towards Fazeley Street and New Bartholomew Street. Signed local diversions remain in place throughout the works.

About the Eastside Extension

The Birmingham Eastside Metro extension was approved by the Secretary of State for Transport and will branch off the existing West Midlands Metro line at Bull Street. The full scheme will run for 1.7km on twin tracks to a permanent terminus at High Street Deritend, with four new stops serving the eastern side of the city centre and Digbeth.

A key feature of the project is its connection to the future HS2 Curzon Street station.

The extension will also link with New Street, Moor Street and Snow Hill stations, creating new interchange opportunities between tram, rail, bus, Sprint and coach services. A new bus interchange is being delivered next to the Clayton Hotel as part of the scheme.

Construction timeline

Main construction began in spring 2021, starting with track replacement in Corporation Street and the installation of a complex junction at Lower Bull Street. Work in Lower Bull Street, including public realm improvements, was completed by July 2023.

Track and streetscape works along Digbeth High Street are now largely complete, following several years of construction. More recent works began in April 2024 in Albert Street and Moor Street Queensway, where preparation is under way for tram infrastructure installation.

Services and benefits

When fully operational, trams will run every six to eight minutes during peak times and every 10 to 15 minutes off-peak. Services are planned to run from early morning until shortly after midnight, seven days a week.

Transport for West Midlands says the extension will help reduce congestion, cut journey times and support regeneration across Eastside and Digbeth, while providing a direct Metro link to the city’s future HS2 station.

While some disruption remains, particularly in Digbeth, the project is now entering its final stages, with the first trams expected to carry passengers on the Eastside extension early this year.