Bham Ext final countdown

[T840MAK]

Yes, the tramway must be safe before it opens.

But why have the works overrun so badly?

Sadly it doesn't seem to be restricted to just Metro with over-running works whilst doing extensions to networks - Nottingham Phase 2 was delayed by several years, as were several Metrolink lines during opening, and even Sheffield's tram-train (which doesn't even require half a mile of track & only needs two new stations constructing) - even Edinburgh's initial network shows the issues which are caused through the construction of tramways.

Maybe a question in general for those in the know?

[Tony]

Sadly it doesn't seem to be restricted to just Metro with over-running works whilst doing extensions to networks - Nottingham Phase 2 was delayed by several years, as were several Metrolink lines during opening, and even Sheffield's tram-train (which doesn't even require half a mile of track & only needs two new stations constructing) - even Edinburgh's initial network shows the issues which are caused through the construction of tramways.

Maybe a question in general for those in the know?

Sheffields Tram-Train already over a year late has now been delayed further with no date yet
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-36315711?SThisFB

[2206]

Birmingham Metro extension built at a rate of 32 inches a day.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/anger-birmingham-metro-extension-built-11352546

[T840MAK]

Sheffields Tram-Train already over a year late has now been delayed further with no date yet
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-36315711?SThisFB

That's what I was referring to in my original post - now looks to be early 2018, so maybe if the trial is successful (and even happens!) we might see a local tram-train network (which is what SYPTE wants) by, say, 2100 maybe?

[JoNi]

http://www.itv.com/news/central/2016-05-17/midland-metro-tram-extension-delayed-again-due-to-unlevel-track/

[T840MAK]

Looking at all the links that have been posted, I can't help but laugh at some of these. Yeah, I get that both operator and passengers and residents aren't best pleased at the Metro delays, so does that mean that Centro should just go ahead and run the service anyway and risk a major incident?

Media clutching on straws to draw a bad name to the transport industry again.

[Bryan]

Looking at all the links that have been posted, I can't help but laugh at some of these. Yeah, I get that both operator and passengers and residents aren't best pleased at the Metro delays, so does that mean that Centro should just go ahead and run the service anyway and risk a major incident?

Media clutching on straws to draw a bad name to the transport industry again.

I don't think it is a case of the media giving a bad name to the transport industry, more a case of to the contractors who are constructing it.

[wembley86]

i have seen speed signs on the new ropute from Bull St saying 15 for 15 KPH as i don't the speed of the tram is a factor.

[T840MAK]

i have seen speed signs on the new ropute from Bull St saying 15 for 15 KPH as i don't the speed of the tram is a factor.

15kph is about 10mph - usual when moving through more pedestrianised areas of city centres.

[Stevo]

They were working on the track in Bull St today and you could see the rusty marks in Corporation St where the rails had been ground. The signs on the stops said the opening was delayed due to track alignment problems but when I came back from Wolverhampton they had been changed to say that driver training was under way on the extension, so I wonder if the track works have been completed.

[Tony]

They were working on the track in Bull St today and you could see the rusty marks in Corporation St where the rails had been ground. The signs on the stops said the opening was delayed due to track alignment problems but when I came back from Wolverhampton they had been changed to say that driver training was under way on the extension, so I wonder if the track works have been completed.

Here is Tram 26 on Corporation Street today

http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandMetro/tram26.html

[Squiz1971]

Here is Tram 26 on Corporation Street today

http://wmbusphotos.com/MidlandMetro/tram26.html

Midlands Today has had a story about the Metro extension saying hopefully now that driver training is being carried out now, that the extension will open this bank holiday weekend.  It was nice seeing trams running the whole of the new extension at last. Cannot wait to see them running in service finally

[2206]

I saw 31 on Corporation Street at 18:30 today displaying Wolverhampton the a couple of minutes later 29 displaying Birmingham. Has the extension now opened then?

[Squiz1971]

I saw 31 on Corporation Street at 18:30 today displaying Wolverhampton the a couple of minutes later 29 displaying Birmingham. Has the extension now opened then?

According to Midlands Today hopefully Bank Holiday Monday it will be fully opened @2206

[AV4248]

According to Midlands Today hopefully Bank Holiday Monday it will be fully opened @2206

Just seen this on the Metro's Twitter feed, looks like it will finally open this Bank Holiday Monday.
https://twitter.com/MidlandMetro/status/735493241714266114