A huge crane worked overnight on Saturday and Sunday (June 21) to lift the pre-fabricated footbridge above the tracks at Kings Heath Station which is currently under construction in Birmingham.
It is the latest significant development of three new stations on the Camp Hill Line in south Birmingham with Moseley and Pineapple Road also currently being built.
The new pedestrian footbridge will allow future rail passengers to change platforms at Kings Heath.
The overall Camp Hill Line project, which will see passenger rail services introduced on the line for the first time since the Second World War, remains on track to be completed for the rescheduled date of the end of this year.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, said: “These stations will offer a fast, reliable and affordable alternative to the often-slow moving traffic on the Alcester Road.
“They will transform the daily commute to work or college for thousands of local people.
“The return of rail services will also encourage more people to go and experience the vibrancy of Moseley, Kings Heath and Stirchley, directly boosting trade for local businesses and fostering community and economic growth.
“That’s why we are working around the clock to get these stations finished and open to the public.”
Installation of a pedestrian footbridge at the new Kings Heath railway station. PIC: WMCA
Installation of a pedestrian footbridge at the new Kings Heath railway station. PIC: WMCA
Installation of a pedestrian footbridge at the new Kings Heath railway station. PIC: WMCA
Anne Shaw, executive director of Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), added: “This footbridge is crucial for ensuring pedestrian safety and its installation brings us significantly closer to restoring passenger services to the Camp Hill Line – this will be a game-changer for these communities.”
James Hindes, managing director at VolkerFitzpatrick, which is building the station for TfWM, said: “The successful overnight installation of this footbridge is a testament to the collaborative efforts and expertise of our team.
“Logistically, lifting such a large structure into position within a tight overnight window requires meticulous planning, precise execution, and robust safety protocols.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement, and it underscores our commitment to delivering these vital new stations to the highest standards, benefiting the West Midlands for decades to come.”
Work is due to start on the new drop-off area outside Moseley Village Station in mid-July and will involve some changes to the road layout in St Mary’s Row.
In July last year, TfWM announced the Camp Hill scheme, alongside a raft of other major projects in the region, was to be delayed by a year in the wake of £121 million budget pressures as a result of soaring costs.
This was the second delay to hit the project after it was originally due to be scheduled for completion in 2023.
The news prompted West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to call for a review of all current and planned projects, saying he had concerns over the funding, delivery and delay while also accusing his predecessor Andy Street of making “grand promises” which weren’t being delivered.
In turn, Mr Street said he was saddened to see party politics being played over the issue, adding he had “bequeathed to the new Mayor billions in devolved transport funding” for the projects.