University Station

[Heartland]

University is a modern station which was opened by British Railways when they upgraded the service between Birmingham, Four Oaks, Lichfield and Longbridge and called it the Cross City Line. This route became particularly popular for commuters and whilst the train timing has not been the best and problems with overcrowding on the diesel multiple units was improved when the line was electrified, University has continued to increase its passenger flow to such an extent that a new station is now required. Work on laying the foundations for the new passenger entrances and exits have begun and during the summer of 2021, there will be closures on Sundays of the adjacent canal so that building components can be shipped on to the site.

It is a restricted site, but when the West Suburban Railway was constructed for the Midland Railway, the double track was made on a new alignment here. The original branch from Kings Norton to Granville Street Station was made close to the towpath of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and now that space is being used as foundations for part of the new station buildings.

 

[mikejee]

. Work on laying the foundations for the new passenger entrances and exits have begun and during the summer of 2021, there will be closures on Sundays of the adjacent canal so that building components can be shipped on to the site.

Does this mean that the canal is being used to transport the components?

 

[Heartland]

I understand from Brenda that the contractors will transport materials across the canal, owing to site restrictions preventing access from the road at the front of the present station. This new build will provide access from the platforms direct to both the University Campus and the Hospital Complex.