Major progress on new Birmingham railway stations
Six lift shafts have been installed as long-awaited new railway stations in Birmingham move closer to completion.
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Transport for West Midlands (Tfwm) bosses said major progress has been made on the Camp Hill Line stations at Pineapple Road, Kings Heath and Moseley.
The project remains on track to be completed for the rescheduled date of the end of this year.
The last of the six new lift shafts were lowered into position using a huge crane on Saturday and Sunday (May 10 and 11).
Other works include paving and surfacing works at Kings Heath, cladding of two previously installed lift shafts and new canopies along the platforms.
Anne Shaw, executive director of TfWM, said: “This week’s achievements are a fantastic testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the Camp Hill Line project.
“The new stations at Pineapple Road, Kings Heath, and Moseley Village will be truly transformative for these communities.
“They will unlock new opportunities, making it easier for residents to access jobs, education, and leisure across Birmingham and the wider region while taking some cars off our roads and helping to tackle congestion.
“We anticipate these stations will not only improve daily commutes but also invigorate local high streets by attracting more visitors, contributing to thriving local economies and a more connected South Birmingham.”
James Hindes, managing director at VolkerFitzpatrick, added: “Our teams were exceptionally busy across the week, focusing on the installation of this key infrastructure.
“The successful placement of the final lift shaft at Moseley and the ongoing works at Kings Heath are critical steps.
“These elements are vital for ensuring the new stations are fully accessible from day one.
“There is still a great deal to do, but these milestones demonstrate our continued progress, and we remain firmly committed to having these stations complete by the end of this year.”
The project is set to reintroduce passenger rail services to the Camp Hill Line for the first time since they ended during the Second World War in 1941.
In July last year, TfWM announced the Camp Hill scheme, alongside a raft of other major projects in the region, was to be delayed by a year in the wake of £121 million budget pressures as a result of soaring costs.
This was the second delay to hit the project after it was originally due to be scheduled for completion in 2023.
The news prompted West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to call for a review of all current and planned projects, saying he had concerns over the funding, delivery and delay while also accusing his predecessor Andy Street of making “grand promises” which weren’t being delivered.
In turn, Mr Street said he was saddened to see party politics being played over the issue, adding he had “bequeathed to the new Mayor billions in devolved transport funding” for the projects.
