Birmingham Run Reroutes 30 Bus Lines Sunday

Birmingham Run closes roads, reroutes 30+ bus lines and limits tram service May 3

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Birmingham Run Closes Roads, Reroutes Buses May 3

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Birmingham's getting a major transit shakeup Sunday, May 3, when the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run brings road closures and service changes across the city center. The annual race featuring 10K and half marathon routes will shut down dozens of streets starting at 4:30am, with most closures in effect by 8am when runners take off. Transit officials said more than 30 bus routes will be diverted and Metro tram service will run on a limited schedule until mid-afternoon.

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The race route winds through Birmingham's busiest districts, cutting through Broad Street, Centenary Square, the Jewellery Quarter, and the Mailbox before looping past Grand Central and through Southside and Digbeth. Transit agencies typically adjust service for major running events to balance spectator access with the need to keep essential routes operating. Officials said the closures affect key corridors that normally carry thousands of daily riders. The scale of disruption reflects the race's path through the city's commercial and transit core, where bus and tram lines converge.

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More than 30 bus routes will see diversions or stop changes, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 8A/C, 9, 12/A, 13/A, 16, 17, 23, 24, 35, 45, 47, 50, 52, 60, 80, 82, 87, 97, 101, X1, X2, X8, and X10. Metro tram service will operate only between Wolverhampton and Grand Central until 2pm, with no service to Edgbaston Village during that window. Two additional early trams departed Wolverhampton at 6am and 6:30am to accommodate travelers before the main closures took effect. Officials didn't specify which bus stops would be temporarily relocated or how long individual route diversions would add to trip times.

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Road closures begin at 4:30am, with most streets shut by the 8am race start. Some areas will reopen around noon as runners clear those sections, but most roads won't fully reopen until 4pm. Transit officials said the staggered reopening allows the race to proceed safely while minimizing disruption duration. The timeline means morning and early afternoon trips will face the most significant delays and detours.

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Riders should expect delays throughout the day and allow extra travel time for trips through the city center. Officials urged travelers to plan ahead and check service status before heading out. Moovit provides real-time updates on Birmingham bus and Metro tram routes, including detour information and adjusted schedules during the race.