Midland Metro Alliance Complete Birmingham Eastside Extension Handover

*Pictured:* *The BEE project team gather for a group photo beside the Clayton Hotel tram stop*

We are proud to announce that the Midland Metro Alliance (MMA) has completed the handover of the first phase of the Birmingham Eastside Extension (BEE) to client, Transport for West Midlands in early March 2026.

Following a rigorous testing and commissioning phase, familiarisation training has been commenced, and passenger operations are expected to run from Bull Street tram stop to the temporary terminus outside the Birmingham branch of the Clayton Hotel, connecting passengers from the Black Country region to Millennium Point and Birmingham City University.

Speaking about the successful delivery of the scheme, Colas Rail UK Urban and MMA Project Director, Maria Ion said “I’m proud of the successful delivery of this scheme, with an appreciation to the thorough planning and delivery by our dedicated project team and the overall support from our MMA partners and Supply chain.”

Colas Rail UK received the Golden Whistle for Best in Class Freight Operating Company in the Small Operator category and a Silver Whistle for Best Operational Performance in the Minimising Delay Minutes, amongst all operators in the UK.

Work continues on the second phase of BEE which will link the existing route through the forthcoming HS2 station at Curzon Street to Digbeth. Colas Rail UK is the Principal Contractor of the MMA.

First published: 2nd April 2026

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