The Public Inquiry into the proposed extension of the Midland Metro through Birmingham City Centre has now closed, moving the process on to its most decisive stage.
The inspector has indicated that his report on the inquiry will be submitted to the Secretary of State for Transport around Easter. It is hoped that the Secretary of State will decide to award Transport and Works Act powers to build the extension by the end of the year.
At the start of the inquiry in early December, public transport developer Centro stated its case for a 3.2km, ten stop tram extension to the current Metro line 1 route through the centre of Birmingham that will enable people to journey from Snow Hill to Hagley Road in just 13 minutes, going via Corporation Street, New Street rail station, Victoria Square and Broad Street. The route will serve the main shopping and business areas, plus the ICC, Brindleyplace and other attractions. It is hoped to start construction in 2005 and have trams running in 2008.
Altogether 143 objections were made to the extension, at the end of the inquiry only 59 remained as Centro was able to satisfy many of the concerns of objectors. A number of the outstanding objections were heard by the inquiry, including a late one from Travel West Midlands regarding arrangements for relocating buses serving Corporation Street. It has been agreed by Centro and Travel West Midlands (TWM) that no Traffic Regulation Orders to remove bus services from Corporation Street will be implemented until Birmingham City Council has provided the new Bus Mall arrangements.
Centro Projects Director Tom Magrath said: “We are pleased that the Public Inquiry has allowed all parties concerned a chance to state their case, and in many instances objections have been withdrawn during the process. The next step forward is for the City Council to complete its work on the Bus Mall, in consultation with Centro and Travel West Midlands, and advise Government of the solution so that the way is clear for Government approval to build this important public transport link for Birmingham.”
David Bull, Birmingham City Council’s Head of Transportation Strategy, added: “The City Council are working in partnership with Centro and Travel West Midlands on revised Bus Mall proposals, which should be completed for City Council and PTA members to consider in March. We are looking forward to a successful outcome that will allow the Metro to run through the centre of the city, marking an important step change for public transport.”
Arrangements are now to be made for the other planned Midland Metro extension, covering Wednesbury to Brierley Hill via Dudley and Merry Hill, which is planned to start in March. The pre-inquiry meeting to agree arrangements for this inquiry will take place next Monday, 19th January.
