New blue cycle lane from Selly Oak Triangle up the Bristol Road

The final phase of extending the Selly Oak Bypass is now complete. Harborne Lane has been bi-directional to traffic since the end of October 2020, and it seems that Chapel Lane is the same. The blue cycle lane runs past the former Sainsbury's store. Beyond that is red and white bollards past the new Sainsbury's close to Selly Oak Station and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

New Blue Cycle Lane from Selly Oak Triangle along the Bristol Road

The work to extend the Selly Oak Bypass to the Bristol Road was completed at the end of 2020. A new blue cycle lane has been installed that runs down the side of the former Sainsbury's store (the plans for student flats were thankfully rejected).

 

Harborne Lane at Selly Oak Triangle

From Oak Tree Lane and Bristol Road in Selly Oak, you can see that traffic now goes in both directions, where as before it was one way. The ambulance was crossing from Oak Tree Lane to Harborne Lane.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The start of the new blue cycle lane at Selly Oak Triangle. Lots of new traffic lights and lampposts, no benches or trees at this point.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Part of the cycle lane comes from Harborne Lane.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bristol Road towards Chapel Lane

There is a new bus lane that goes from Harborne Lane onto the Bristol Road. The bus stops have been moved to outside of the former Sainsbury's store.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Crossing over the bus lane. It all looks nice and new. Not sure if any cyclist has used it yet.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is still trees growing in front of the former Sainsbury's store. Re-located bus stops on the right.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

New young trees have been planted down here. Let's hope that they last and have a chance to grow.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Frankie & Benny's ahead at the Chapel Lane junction with the Bristol Road, sadly closed down in 2020 during the previous lockdowns.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Chapel Lane at the Bristol Road junction

At the Chapel Lane junction with the Bristol Road. Before this was one way, but it is now bi-directional as well. Speed limit of 20 mph. Former Frankie & Benny's restaurant on the right.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bristol Road beyond Chapel Lane

No longer bus stop outside of the ex Frankie & Benny's. But there is some new cycle racks. TouchBase Pears up ahead on the right.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The pop up cycle lane that is now on the Bristol Road in Selly Oak near TouchBase Pears. Up ahead is the new Sainsbury's and Unite student accommodation at the Selly Oak Shopping Park.

dndimg alt="Selly Oak Triangle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly Oak Triangle (Apr 2021) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

EasyJet planes in and around Birmingham

One of the main budget airlines to still serve Birmingham Airport to this day is EasyJet. Using Airbus A319, A320 or A321 planes. You can spot them taking off from the Sheldon Country Park airport viewing area. Also visible in the sky from Solihull, Stechford and Bordesley Green. Once also saw some EasyJet's at Lyon Airport (in France), back in 2017.

easyJet

EasyJet is a low cost airline with headquarters at London Luton Airport. They fly to routes all over Europe. The entire fleet was grounded when the Pandemic began in March 2020, but they have been flying again since that time. You can see them at Birmingham Airport, as well as taking off and landing there over the City.

 

The first time I flew on a plane was with EasyJet. But it was from East Midlands Airport to Rome back in June 2006 (15 years ago now!). Have not flown with them since.

 

EasyJet, November 2016

A bit of plane spotting at the Sheldon Country Park during November 2016. Caught this EasyJet Airbus A319-100 landing at Birmingham Airport on runway 15.

dndimg alt="Easyjet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Nov 2016) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I saw it exit the runway and beginning to taxi back to the terminal building.

dndimg alt="Easyjet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Nov 2016) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Distant car park to the far left, and the spire of St Peter's Church, Bickenhill.

dndimg alt="Easyjet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Nov 2016) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was so many cars in the car park behind the EasyJet plane. Car Park 5 is also a good area for spotting planes.

dndimg alt="Easyjet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Nov 2016) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

EasyJet, March 2017

By the spring, headed to the Sheldon Country Park again for another plane spotting session, this time in the sunshine. Saw this EasyJet Airbus A320-200 taxiing as it prepared to take off over runway 15.

dndimg alt="EasyJet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Mar 2017) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Zooming in, the plane and the area around it looked all hazy on my camera, probably going well beyond optical zoom into digital zoom.

dndimg alt="EasyJet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Mar 2017) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The plane was now on the runway about to take off over the Sheldon Country Park. It was heading from Birmingham to Geneva in Switzerland.

dndimg alt="EasyJet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Mar 2017) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

EasyJet, June 2017

Arriving on a Flybe plane at Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport in Lyon, France for a holiday around the historic Burgundy area, saw this EasyJet plane. It was a Airbus A319-100.

dndimg alt="EasyJet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet Lyon (Jun 2017) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

About a week later at the end of the holiday (around Burgundy) got this photo of this EasyJet plane. Another Airbus A319-100.

dndimg alt="EasyJet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet Lyon (Jun 2017) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

From the Flybe plane window I saw this EasyJet Airbus A320-200.

dndimg alt="EasyJet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet Lyon (Jun 2017) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

EasyJet, January 2018

Back in Birmingham, was waiting for a train at Stechford Station when I spotted this EasyJet Airbus A320-200 plane coming into land at Birmingham Airport. In the new livery, that I first saw at Lyon 6 months earlier.

dndimg alt="Easyjet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Jan 2018).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

EasyJet, February2018

One month on, was at platform 4 at Birmingham International Station, when I spotted this EasyJet Airbus A320-200 taking off from Birmingham Airport.

dndimg alt="Easyjet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Feb 2018).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

EasyJet, April 2018

Another EasyJet plane spotted from my walk to Catherine-de-Barnes in Solihull. This was during a Grand Union Canal walk from Solihull to Catherine-de-Barnes. Saw it from Hampton Lane. Was another Airbus A320-200.

dndimg alt="Easyjet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Apr 2018).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

EasyJet, July 2020

The first passenger plane that I spotted in the air, after almost 5 months of the 1st lockdown. Early on I saw a Jet2 plane from Fox Hollies Park (March 2020, days after the lockdown began). Then by July, had another walk to Langley Hall Park, and spotted this EasyJet Airbus A320-200 from Hall Green near the Fox Hollies Road. I'm not sure what kind of passengers would have been travelling with them.

dndimg alt="EasyJet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Jul 2020).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

EasyJet, April 2021

Not seen any passenger planes in the sky in ages. Now in the third lockdown. Spotted this EasyJet Airbus A321neo from the Sycamores Recreation Ground in the Kingfisher Country Park. International travel is currently not allowed (for holidays), so perhaps it's business people, or people flying to Northern Ireland? Hopefully with more restrictions being eased, International travel for holidays could be allowed again in the summer of 2021. Fingers crossed.

dndimg alt="EasyJet" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Easyjet BHX (Apr 2021).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Look out in the future for posts on Jet2 and RyanAir.

 

If you are interested in more planes at Birmingham Airport posts click on the links below to view:

• Emirates Airbus A380
• British Airways
• Flybe Bombardier Dash 8 Q400
• Monarch
• BMI Baby
• Thomson to TUI
• Flybe Embraer
• Thomas Cook

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

Motor Museum at the Black Country Living Museum

Returning to the visit of the distant past from August 2011. This time we take a look at the Motor Museum at the Black Country Living Museum. A collection of vintage cars and motorbikes and other vehicles. It is Bradburn & Wedge Ltd, a car showroom displaying a collection of vintage vehicles, all manufactured around the Black Country. Such as Bean, Westfield, Sunbeam, Guy and AJS.

The Vehicle Display at the Black Country Living Museum

In the building that houses the Vehicle Display at the Black Country Living Museum, it holds their collection of Black Country manufactured cars and motorcycles. Also commercial vehicles. From Bean to Westfield. From Sunbeam to Diamond. From Guy to AJS.  It has the appearance of a 1950s garage. Based on the car showrooms of local company, Bradburn and Wedge. The company was founded in 1918, when William Howard Bradburn joined with Harry Wedge.

 

The photos in the gallery below, taken during a visit to the Black Country Living Museum in August 2011. While they are still closed on the third lockdown, enjoy this digital post.

 

Sunbeam motorcycle and Guy Fire Engine

On the left is a couple of motorcycles, including a Sunbeam. The one in the middle is a  1918 French Army Model. On the right is a Guy Fire Engine dating from 1924.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brevitt's

Seen here is an old commercial van. This was General Carriers, J. Brevitt of Willenhall, Staffordshire (now West Midlands).

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Collection of vintage motorcycles made in the Black Country

Here we see a collection of old motorcycles. Mostly Sunbeam's. Some are A.J.S motorcycles. Most are T.T. Model's.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The motorcycle closest to the camera was numbered 13 in the collection.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Number 2 in the collection in the middle.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Another view of number 13, towards a car that looks like it dates to the 1990s, and the Brevitt's van.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

Collection of vintage motorcars made in the Black Country

 

1903 Sunbeam

Entering the museum, the first cars I see near the door. The yellow motor is a 1903 Sunbeam 10/12 HP. car.

In the middle is a 1912 Star Victoria. To the far left is the General Carriers - J. Brevitt van.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Close up look at the yellow Sunbeam made in 1903.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

1912 Star Victoria

A close up look at the dark red Star Victoria motor made in 1912.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

1923 Bean 14 Tourer

Next up is a Bean 14 Tourer. It was made by A. Harper, Sons & Bean in 1923.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

1934 Sunbeam Dawn

The dark green car is a Sunbeam Dawn. Built in July 1934. It was sold to a Dr. Hilliard in September 1934 (who lived in Taunton). He owned it for 26 years. Since then it has resided in the West Midlands.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

1930 A.J.S. Tourer

Next we have a 1930 A.J.S. Tourer (A.J.S. Coachbuilt 2-Seater). It was made by A.J. Stevens & Company Limited. The chassis was built by John Thompson Motor pressings at Bilston.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

1931 Star Coupe

The following motor is a 1931 Star Coupe. Built by the Star Motor Company of Wolverhampton. The company was taken over by Guy Motors of Wolverhampton in 1928.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Old motors in a state of repair

Various old motors in a state of repair as they were back in the summer of 2011. Probably all date to the 1930s (or earlier).

 

There was no signs in the window at the time, and even with Google Lens, now in 2021, is a bit hard to tell what model this motor is. Plus the engine was missing at the time.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Possibly a 1931 Alvis in the photo below.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This motor might be a Buton. Cannot find any more details.

dndimg alt="Black Country Living Museum" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCLM MM (Aug 2011) (12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

When the Air Ambulance flies patients to hospitals in Birmingham

At least three Air Ambulance services fly to the hospitals in Birmingham, over the last decade or so. The main one of course is the Midlands Air Ambulance (red helicopter). There is also the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (yellow helicopter). Plus sometimes the Wales Air Ambulance (red helicopter with green). They go to either Birmingham Children's Hospital or QEHB.

Midlands Air Ambulance

It was during May 2011, when I got my first photo of the Midlands Air Ambulance. It was on the helipad near James Watt Queensway. On one of my many walks from work to get some lunch, saw it as I came off Aston Street (Aston University). Only had my then mobile on me. Police usually stop all traffic around the area. Including Corporation Street and at the Birmingham Children's Hospital on Steelhouse Lane.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (May 2011).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The next time I saw it was around April 2013. Again mobile shots as I didn't want to take my then big camera to work with me at the time. This view of the Midlands Air Ambulance from Ryder Street.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Apr 2013) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Crossed over the lights on James Watt Queensway and got this view towards the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Apr 2013) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Caught it taking off as I walked back to work via the Aston University grounds. Corporation Street to the left.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Apr 2013) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Midlands Air Ambulance was on it's way as seen from James Watt Queensway. I think this was near a bus stop. The new Aston University student accommodation phase 2 was under construction at the time, and the old Stafford Tower would not get demolished until 2014.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Apr 2013) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In July 2014, I saw the Midlands Air Ambulance from the Aston Webb Boulevard in Selly Oak (the Selly Oak Bypass). It was heading towards the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Jul 2014).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

During April 2017, on a walk down the Merritt's Brook Greenway in Northfield. Saw the Midlands Air Ambulance fly overhead. I was near Meadow Brook at the time. This was not too far from Ley Hill Park.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Apr 2017).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In December 2017, I saw this Midlands Air Ambulance heading to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Dec 2017) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Would assume the Midlands Air Ambulance was heading to the helipad, although I've never seen it myself.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Dec 2017) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

This one is G-OMAA. It is a Airbus Helicopters H135. It is operated by Babcock MCS Onshore.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Dec 2017) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Saw the Midlands Air Ambulance again, this time during July 2018. The view from near the Bourn Brook Walkway in Harborne and I was on Arosa Drive at the time. Was walking to Quinton Road. It was G-OMAA again.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance (Jul 2018).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In May 2019, near The Bull Ring Indoor Market, was a Midlands Air Ambulance car (7064), next to a West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust ambulance (4323). They were seen from Edgbaston Street and Gloucester Street, also near the Bull Ring Outdoor Market (the Rag Market is to the left off camera).

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance car" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance car (May 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A few months later, during August 2019, and I was in the Library of Birmingham, getting views from the Secret Garden. When I zoomed down to Bridge Street between Arena Central and the Hyatt Regency Birmingham, and saw the Midlands Air Ambulance car (7064) again. That was the year when the Westside Metro Extension to Centenary Square was getting completed. Library Tram Stop opened here by December 2019.

dndimg alt="Midlands Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Midlands Air Ambulance car (Aug 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance

I first saw the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance in February 2012. I was on Moor Street Queensway, and had my then bridge camera on me, so got some decent views. It was near Hotel La Tour and the McLaren Building, heading to the helipad at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

dndimg alt="Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WNAA (Feb 2012) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Seen here passing the McLaren Building. Years before Exchange Square was built they could fly around here, but this route is no longer possible for Air Ambulances.

dndimg alt="Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WNAA (Feb 2012) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In August 2013 I saw the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance on the helipad from James Watt Queensway. Again a mobile shot, on one of my lunchtime walks from work to get lunch. As per usual, the Police sealed off all the surrounding roads, as the paramedics took the patient to the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

dndimg alt="Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WNAA (Aug 2013).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Wales Air Ambulance

I first saw the Wales Air Ambulance landed on the helipad at Birmingham Children's Hospital from James Watt Queensway during November 2014. This one is a bit rare coming to Birmingham. The Teenage Cancer Trust building is behind.

dndimg alt="Wales Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wales Air Ambulance (Nov 2014).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The last time I saw the Wales Air Ambulance was from Bournville during September 2019. I was on Oak Tree Lane, walking from Selly Manor to the Serbian Orthodox Church during Birmingham Heritage Week. I haven't seen this helicopter again since then.

dndimg alt="Wales Air Ambulance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Wales Air Ambulance (Sept 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

The Westside Metro Extension on Broad Street

Despite the pandemic and multiple lockdowns, there has been a lot ot progress on the Westside Metro Extension from Centenary Square towards the Hagley Road, just beyond Five Ways in Edgbaston. Here we will look at the building of it from April 2015 to December 2020 on Broad Street with gaps from Feb to July 2020 and Nov 2020 due to the lockdowns.

Westside Metro Extension on Broad Street

Most progress was done during the various lockdowns in 2020. Especially in the months where I was unable to travel to the City Centre (until I had to go back to work in July). I also missed November (2nd lockdown, until I went back to work). Didn't really get around to checking the extension out again until late December 2020.

They have started to install Brindleyplace Tram Stop. I had a walk down on Broad Street on Christmas Eve to see it.

Enjoy this photo gallery from April 2015 to December 2020. Track laying began at the end of 2019, and they made a lot of progress during 2020, while Westside was quiet.

25th April 2015.

In April 2015, early signs on Broad Street of utility works between the future site of The Bank and The Mercian.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Apr 2015) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A lorry and van from the National Grid were on site in front of Zara's starting to move the undeground pipes and cables.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Apr 2015) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

5th April 2017.

Just under the link bridge from the Hyatt to Symphony Hall. More utility diverence works. This time by Pier (UK) Ltd.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Apr 2017).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

10th February 2018.

This view of Broad Street zoomed in from the Library of Birmingham's Secret Garden. Buses were still going up and down Broad Street at the time. This was close to Lee Longlands and Novotel.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

15th February 2018.

Views from the top deck of the X10 NXWM Platinum bus, emerging from the Five Ways Underpass near the Five Ways Complex.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Was a lot of traffic here due to the roadworks close to Pryzm.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2018) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Traffic was diverted around to the right, with temporary traffic lights. Welcome to the City Centre.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2018) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

It's hard to imagine Broad Street like this now, as it's been closed to traffic since 2019.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2018) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was even a big hole in the road near Uber, at the corner of Ryland Street.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2018) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

26th March 2018.

I was on a no 23 NXWM Platinum bus on the top deck, while the 24 was in front. Cones in the middle of the road, while more utilities were diverted near the O Bar.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (March 2018).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the end of Broad Street approaching Centenary Square, and about to go under the link bridge from Symphony Hall to the Hyatt Regency Birmingham. This view would change a lot in the follow two years.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (March 2018) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

21st December 2019.

View from the no 24 National Express West Midlands Platinum bus from the top deck, looking towards Broad Street from Five Ways Island. Tracks had already been laid in the Five Ways underpass from Hagley Road to Broad Street.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Extension" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Dec 2019).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

3rd February 2020.

The road had been dug up and was gates at certain sections, near where pedestrians could cross the road. This was near the Bierkeller Entertainment Complex towards the Five Ways Complex.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

22nd February 2020.

The footpath near Symphony Hall was closed, you had to cross through the temporary path towards the Hyatt Regency Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Between Regency Wharf and Symphony Hall, it looked like a warzone! No road surface.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Towards Centenary Square, you can see Library Tram Stop in the distance.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Feb 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

14th July 2020.

First time back on Broad Street for about 4 months due to the first lockdown (I'd gone back to work). Tram tracks had been laid near Reflex '80s Bar (The Crown), Walkabout and towards The Brasshouse.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Jul 2020) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

25th July 2020.

Tracks going all the way past Cineworld on Broad Street, down into the underpass below Five Ways Island.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Jul 2020) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The other side of the fence up Broad Street past the Five Ways Complex, towards The Bank, The Mercian and the Hampton by Hilton Hotel (Cumberland House).

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Jul 2020) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

29th August 2020.

Near Regency Wharf and the Solomon Cutler Wetherspoon. The road surface had yet to be filled up.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Aug 2020).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

12th September 2020.

You could now walk down the middle of Broad Street. They were now doing the paving in front of the O Bar and Walkabout. As well as the paving on the Black Sabbath Bridge.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Sept 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Near the Solomon Cutler Wetherspoon at Regency Wharf. You could walk over part of the track that goes towards Five Ways.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Sept 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

16th September 2020.

Now you can see the track that was installed to connect to the end of the current line at Library Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Sept 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From Centenary Square at Library Tram Stop, where the tracks are connected to the existing line.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Sept 2020) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

19th October 2020.

Near Brindleyplace, Free Radio and Popworld.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Oct 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The tracks and the road surface were more or less complete near the Five Ways Complex.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Oct 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

25th October 2020.

My last major walk of the Westside Metro extension before the 2nd lockdown was announced. Seen here near Cineworld (which had closed down again) and Pryzm at the Five Ways Complex.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Oct 2020) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The freshly laid road surface not far from Revolution.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Oct 2020) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Autumn leaves on the tracks near Dil Bar Indian Restaurant.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Oct 2020) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Paving works between Symphony Hall and the Solomon Cutler at Regency Wharf. You could walk down the tracks.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Oct 2020) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They had already started to lay bricks on the new tracks near Centenary Square, with this view of the Library of Birmingham.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Oct 2020) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

They had made a lot of progress since my previous update of this view, looked almost finished.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St (Oct 2020) (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

19th December 2020.

Headed to the Black Sabbath Bridge, as the Black Sabbath Bench is now back in place. Brickwork towards Walkabout and O Bar is now complete.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Black Sabbath Bridge 19122020 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking towards The Brasshouse and Three Brindleyplace. All it needs now is the four Broad Street Walk of Stars of the Black Sabbath members to be laid, but that would mean removing the newly laid bricks!

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Black Sabbath Bridge 19122020 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

24th December 2020. 

The view on Broad Street towards Five Ways. Cineworld has been closed since the middle of October. Buses have to divert down Ryland Street.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Similar to the October view, but all the autumn leaves have long since been cleared up.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Towards the so called Broad Street Cluster.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There is the usual shutdown over the Christmas holidays.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Can walk down the middle of the tracks past Novotel and Travelodge.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

First view of Brindleyplace Tram Stop near Free Radio and Popworld.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The start of the building of the tram platforms near Brindleyplace.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Towards the Black Sabbath Bridge with what was The Crown ('80s Reflex Bar) and The ICC.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (13).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A lot of strong winter sunshine on Broad Street, was close to Walkabout here.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (14).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking back at the Black Sabbath Bridge.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (16).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Towards Centenary Square, the link bridge from Symphony Hall to the Hyatt.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (17).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

From just in front of Library Tram Stop, the Westside Metro extension to Five Ways starts here.

dndimg alt="Westside Metro Broad St" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Westside Metro Ext Broad St 24122020 (18).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

27th December 2020.

View of Broad Street from Five Ways Island on the no 24 NXWM Platinum bus towards the so called Broad Street Cluster. Tracks below emerging from the Five Ways underpass. I expect they will build a tram stop near Cineworld sometime in 2021.

dndimg alt="Broad St Metro Ext" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Five Ways Broad St Metro Ext 27122020.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Also check out my Hagley Road, Edgbaston post .

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown