Five Ways underpass to close for tram work
Commuters are being urged to leave more time for journeys when Five Ways underpass closes to all traffic from today until 2021.
The closure of the tunnel, which links Broad Street to Hagley Road, marks a step in extending the Metro network which will transform public transport in Birmingham city centre.
Five Ways roundabout, above the underpass, will remain open in all directions however it is expected to be busier than usual.
When the Metro extension is complete in 2021 passengers will benefit from access to popular attractions including Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, the International Convention Centre and Symphony Hall.
There will be further changes to bus journeys later in the summer as Metro construction begins on Broad Street.
TfWM, part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has drawn up 10 year plan to tackle congestion by giving people more choices for travel along the Hagley Road, including the Westside Metro extension.
Anne Shaw, director of network resilience for TfWM, said: “The closure will be in place until 2021, during this time delays are expected so we are asking people to consider using an alternative route in and out of the city and use public transport wherever possible – this will be particularly important when the Cricket World Cup comes to Birmingham later in June.”
Temporary changes will be introduced in the Five Ways area to keep buses moving during the closure such as suspending parking bays and giving buses priority at lights.
Shaw added: “45% of commuters told us in a recent survey that they would consider changing their journey during disruption.
“If we could get even half that number of people to change their journey while the underpass is closed, we would see a dramatic improvement in peoples’ journey times.”
Paul Brown, construction director for the MMA, said: “Since the beginning of spring, we have been working hard with our partners to ensure those living, working and travelling to Birmingham are aware of the upcoming closure and so able to plan their journeys around it.
“During the closure we are encouraging people to plan their journeys in advance, use public transport if they can and ensure they allow extra time or re-time their travel, wherever possible.”
The Birmingham Westside Metro extension follows the previous extension from St. Chads to Grand Central, which opened for passenger service in May 2016.
Once completed, the Metro will operate between Grand Central and Hagley Road in Edgbaston.
The first phase of the works, due to open for passenger services by the end of this year, will see the route extend from Grand Central to Centenary Square.
The second phase, is due to be completed in 2021 will continue to Edgbaston.
