Work on the Camp Hill line in Birmingham is well underway with construction crews busy making progress on all three railway stations.

Much of the structural work to prepare the site for building has now been completed at Kings Heath and Pineapple Road and the platforms are taking shape.

Soon contractors will have full access to Moseley Village site, where structural work will begin ahead of platform construction.

Reopening of the Camp Hill line to passenger services for the first time since 1941 remains a key infrastructure project for Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) and partners.

It will offer residents a fast and sustainable alternative to the private car for journeys into Birmingham City Centre – reducing traffic congestion in the area up to 25% and helping achieve the ambition of a greener and better-connected region.

During work on these complex projects, contractors have met a series of challenges on site -including an unstable wall,  a historic well, and a protected species.

The wall borders a locally listed building at Pineapple Road meaning it needs to be rebuilt brick by brick, whilst the previously undocumented Victorian well at the Kings Heath site, linked to the historic Highbury Hall, has meant a redesign of the area. Meanwhile, over in Moseley, the protected species discovered can only be moved at certain times of the year.

These challenges – on top of the ongoing supply chain and inflationary concerns and the suspension of construction work for critical engineering work - mean that although the majority of construction work will be finished early next year, we are now targeting an opening date by the end of 2024. Work is ongoing to see if that can be bettered.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “After more than 70 years without a train service, people in Kings Heath, Moseley, and Stirchley can see the progress that is being made - the ground has been strengthened, platforms and stations are taking shape, and we have already carried out timetable testing runs on the line.

“It is of course disappointing that it will take a little longer than we previously planned to get the line open, but with our contractors and partners we are working tirelessly to look at options to reduce that timescale and bring the benefits of the Camp Hill line as soon as possible.

“Once open people will have the option of swapping their journey along the busy Alcester Road for a convenient and quick train ride, and the city will enjoy the benefits of the Camp Hill line train services for generations to come.”

The project is being carried out in partnership with Birmingham Council, Network Rail, West Midlands Railway and Department for Transport, who remain fully committed to completing the stations at the earliest opportunity.

Birmingham City Council is contributing to the development with £5 million raised through the city centre’s clean air zone.

Cllr Liz Clements, Birmingham City Council cabinet member for transport, said: “It’s good to see the construction is underway and this infrastructure is vital if we are to get people to leave their cars at home and use sustainable green alternatives, including public transport, walking and cycling.

“This is a perfect example of investing in clean air with the council’s £5m contribution coming from Clean Air Zone net surplus revenues. I look forward to seeing the line completed and hope that any further delays can be kept to a minimum by TfWM so that Birmingham residents can start to experience the transformational impact of the Camp Hill line.”

Kings Heath Station under construction

Neil Gaskin, programme director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “These stations unlock the railway to three vibrant communities in Birmingham, which will bring benefits and opportunities to thousands of people and businesses. They will be worth the wait and we will continue to work with our partners to support them opening as soon as possible.”

TfWM is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Mike Bird, WMCA portfolio lead for transport and Walsall Council leader said: “This is just one part of our unprecedented investment in our rail, tram, bus and cycling infrastructure across the region.

“Improving our transport connections is crucial to growing our economy, opening up new opportunities for people and creating a fairer and greener West Midlands.”

Once complete each station will have two platforms, pedestrian footbridges, stairs and lifts, ticket machines, information systems and passenger help points on each platform.

During construction the project is delivering benefits to local people, including supporting well-paid skilled construction jobs. The contractor Volker Fitzpatrick has also worked with local schools and communities in designing the site hoardings.

Pineapple Road Station where platforms are under construction