Paradise Circus to close until summer 2019

Paradise Circus will close next week for the best part of a year as work to extend the tram lines to Arena Central and beyond moves to the next phase.

Once completed, the Metro will operate between Grand Central and Hagley Road in Edgbaston, improving transport links in the heart of Birmingham.

The first phase of the works, scheduled to open for passenger service in late 2019, will see the route extend from Grand Central to Centenary Square. The second phase will continue to Edgbaston and is anticipated to open for passenger service in 2021.

To link the tram route from Victoria Square to Centenary Square requires Paradise Circus to be closed in both directions until summer 2019. The A38 Queensway underpass, which runs beneath Paradise Circus, will remain open in both directions to allow access to and from the Aston Expressway and M6.

Scroll through to see the diversions in place for cars, public transport, walkers and cyclists:

Source: Network West Midlands

Cllr Waseem Zaffar, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “This Metro extension is set to bring fantastic benefits to the city, helping to strengthen economic growth and better connect people to other areas of the region, making it easier for those living, working and travelling in the area to get around.

“As works to construct the next stage are edging closer, we are reminding the travelling public of the importance of planning their journeys ahead to avoid disruption.”

Five new Metro stops will connect passengers to Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Brindleyplace, Five Ways and Hagley Road, providing a service to Arena Central, the ICC and Symphony Hall.