Should WMM think about a Second City Crossing?

[the trainbasher]

With the announcement that the Eastside line is to get the green light, and further extensions are planned in Birmingham (unfortunately!), would it be worth having a second city crossing linking the West and East side extensions without needing to navigate the Corporation Street section.

If it was done, it could be run as going from the Victoria Square tram stop, taking over the existing line through new street, then a new junction onto New Street turning into the High Street (maybe a stop placing there for Primark/Bull Ring), connecting at Lower Bull Street/Dale End to the Eastside extension

This will also have the added advantage of a alternate route should Corporation Street be unavailable

[Busboy105]

With the announcement that the Eastside line is to get the green light, and further extensions are planned in Birmingham (unfortunately!), would it be worth having a second city crossing linking the West and East side extensions without needing to navigate the Corporation Street section.

If it was done, it could be run as going from the Victoria Square tram stop, taking over the existing line through new street, then a new junction onto New Street turning into the High Street (maybe a stop placing there for Primark/Bull Ring), connecting at Lower Bull Street/Dale End to the Eastside extension

This will also have the added advantage of a alternate route should Corporation Street be unavailable

What's so bad about more extensions in Birmingham? At least they're doing something to the tram network. It's been the same for over 20 years.

[Stuharris 6360]

With the announcement that the Eastside line is to get the green light, and further extensions are planned in Birmingham (unfortunately!), would it be worth having a second city crossing linking the West and East side extensions without needing to navigate the Corporation Street section.

If it was done, it could be run as going from the Victoria Square tram stop, taking over the existing line through new street, then a new junction onto New Street turning into the High Street (maybe a stop placing there for Primark/Bull Ring), connecting at Lower Bull Street/Dale End to the Eastside extension

This will also have the added advantage of a alternate route should Corporation Street be unavailable

I think they will need an interchange in Birmingham where you can change from one line to another.

[the trainbasher]

What's so bad about more extensions in Birmingham? At least they're doing something to the tram network. It's been the same for over 20 years.

I'm pro bus/heavy rail tbh - it's a shame the trams took over the Snow Hill - Wolves line and is taking over the Dudley line

[Busboy105]

I'm pro bus/heavy rail tbh - it's a shame the trams took over the Snow Hill - Wolves line and is taking over the Dudley line

That makes sense. At least there are two new train lines coming up soon  :D

[BK63 YWP]

I'm pro bus/heavy rail tbh - it's a shame the trams took over the Snow Hill - Wolves line and is taking over the Dudley line

Why it's bringing back a rail connection between Brierley Hill Birmingham and wolves . A second crossing I don't think will come to fruition unless more tram lines are built.

Manchester didn't get its second city crossing until the last decade

[Stu]

With the announcement that the Eastside line is to get the green light, and further extensions are planned in Birmingham (unfortunately!), would it be worth having a second city crossing linking the West and East side extensions without needing to navigate the Corporation Street section.

If it was done, it could be run as going from the Victoria Square tram stop, taking over the existing line through new street, then a new junction onto New Street turning into the High Street (maybe a stop placing there for Primark/Bull Ring), connecting at Lower Bull Street/Dale End to the Eastside extension

This will also have the added advantage of a alternate route should Corporation Street be unavailable

I can see some logic to your suggestion, but I don't think it would be necessary. Plus, it took months to lay down tracks elsewhere in the city centre, so I couldn't begin to imagine the disruption of having tram tracks laid along New Street and High Street just to provide an alternative route.

The proposed plans indicate that there will be a junction at Bull Street, so presumably this means that trams from Wolverhampton will be able to run to/from Centenary Square or Digbeth, and likewise trams from Digbeth will run to Centenary Square or onwards towards Wolverhampton:
https://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-eastside-extension/

[ellspurs]

I can see some logic to your suggestion, but I don't think it would be necessary. Plus, it took months to lay down tracks elsewhere in the city centre, so I couldn't begin to imagine the disruption of having tram tracks laid along New Street and High Street just to provide an alternative route.

The proposed plans indicate that there will be a junction at Bull Street, so presumably this means that trams from Wolverhampton will be able to run to/from Centenary Square or Digbeth, and likewise trams from Digbeth will run to Centenary Square or onwards towards Wolverhampton:
https://metroalliance.co.uk/projects/birmingham-eastside-extension/

Damnit Meriden Street is my shortcut out of the city centre when I've been collecting from the Bull Ring.

[Ginger66]

Do you think we see trams travelling towards Perry Barr and onto Great Barr

[Busboy105]

Do you think we see trams travelling towards Perry Barr and onto Great Barr

No because that's moving to Sprint.

[Ginger66]

No because that's moving to Sprint.

very interest but surely sprint is going down Broad Street which is been laid for trams.

[bususer28]

Do you think we see trams travelling towards Perry Barr and onto Great Barr

It was part of his 2040 network plan but I doubt that'll ever materialise.

[Busboy105]

very interest but surely sprint is going down Broad Street which is been laid for trams.

It won't. The tram extension replaced the Birmingham to Quinton line. Same how the Sprint will replace the proposed Birmingham to Great Barr tram line.

[Ginger66]

It was part of his 2040 network plan but I doubt that'll ever materialise.

Nicola Richards MP is pushing for it as it was on her news feed on facebook last week