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WATCH: Trams hit Broad Street for first time during Metro testing

Trams have started running along Birmingham's Broad Street for the first time in almost 70 years.

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Tests were carried out on the West Midlands Metro

Testing began in recent days on the latest extension to the West Midlands Metro ahead of the line's official opening in December.

Services will run on the newly laid track extension from Grand Central to Centenary Square.

A series of tests continue over the coming weeks in preparation for trams to carry passengers this festive season.

West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, was among the first to take a trip during the recent tests.

WATCH: Tram route reaching Centenary Square

Footage: BBC

He said: "It was very exciting to see the testing of the tram, showing just how close we are to finishing construction on the extension of the West Midlands Metro line to Centenary Square.

"This project is on time and will, in December, be bringing passengers to the International Convention Centre, HSBC Bank and the Library of Birmingham.

"This latest addition to the line, which will soon be heading out along Broad Street towards Edgbaston, offers residents a genuinely viable alternative to the car in Birmingham city centre.

"With further extensions planned towards Birmingham Airport and a new Wednesbury to Brierley Hill line, our Metro network is expanding rapidly and helping to revolutionise transport across the West Midlands.”

Tests were carried out on the West Midlands Metro

The extension project follows work between St Chads to Grand Central, which opened in May 2016.

Councillor Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “This is an important moment in the project and it is fantastic to see that it is now in the final stages of completion, meaning those living, working in or visiting Birmingham can now anticipate the extension of fast, clean, reliable and eco-friendly trams throughout more of the city. Soon passenger services will begin and the new extension will help transform our vibrant city.”

Peter Cushing, director of West Midlands Metro, said testing was a "crucial phase" of the project – and was "delighted" to see the progress.

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