A major Metro extension which will serve Birmingham City FC's ambitious £3 billion Sports Quarter project has successfully completed a first test.
Trams have reached Millennium Point in an overnight test run on the first leg of a Eastside extension.
The tests mean it is the first time trams have run down Lower Bull Street, Albert Street and across Moor Street Queensway before stopping at a temporary terminus next to the Eastside City Park.
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This first phase of the Eastside extension includes two stops to key destinations including Moor Street Station, Millennium Point and Birmingham City University campus, while work continues to take the extension to Digbeth Coach Station.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has earmarked £400 million for the line to extend further to the east of the city and planned Birmingham City development.
Plans are also being developed for the full East Birmingham and Solihull extension out to Birmingham Airport and HS2 Interchange.
Late night tram runs will continue over the next few weeks as Midland Metro Alliance engineers fully test the line and fine tune the track ready for the route to be handed over to West Midlands Metro for driver training and timetable testing.
Passenger services will start in the autumn following the completion of this rigorous testing process.
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Mr Parker said: "Our plan to extend the Metro network to East Birmingham and Solihull is crucial to unlocking the £3 billion private sector investment in our new Sports Quarter, which in turn will create huge opportunities for communities that have been held back for too long.
"These successful tests show how close we are to opening up new reliable tram links to this part of Birmingham City Centre.
"Soon it will be easier for everyone to get around – whether they are commuting to work, heading to class or travelling further afield by connecting to rail and bus services.
"Expanding the tram network is a crucial enabler for my Growth Plan. It's about more than just transport; it's about connecting people to the businesses and education opportunities that will drive our region forward."
Local businesses have been informed of the tram testing and a public safety campaign has been launched to warn people that trams are now running on these streets.
The track has already been completed in Digbeth and construction work is shortly due to commence on the next section on Meriden Street before joining the two tracks together on the Curzon Street Station site.