Saltley Bus Routes Adjust for HS2 Construction
Five Birmingham bus routes detour for 18 months starting May 2026 due to HS2 viaduct work
Saltley Bus Routes Reroute for HS2 Work
Five bus routes in Birmingham's Saltley area will take different paths for up to 18 months starting May 10, 2026, transit officials said. Services 8A, 8C, 14, 94, and 95 will detour around Saltley Viaduct while HS2 construction crews work on the structure. Riders should expect longer travel times and plan trips accordingly.
HS2 Construction Drives Service Changes
The diversions stem from High Speed 2 railway construction on Saltley Viaduct, a major infrastructure project requiring extended road closures in the area. HS2 works frequently require transit agencies to reroute bus services around construction zones to maintain access while crews rebuild or modify existing structures. Officials said the 18-month timeline reflects the complexity of viaduct modifications needed for the high-speed rail line. The agency didn't specify which construction phases will occur during this period or whether the timeline could be shortened.
Different Routes for Each Service
Services 8A and 8C will detour via Washwood Heath Road and Aston Church Road, with all stops along the diversion served, officials said. Service 14 will take Adderley Road and Duddeston Mill Road instead, but won't serve Devon Street, Alderflat Place, or Mainstream Way during the closure. Services 94 and 95 will run via Aston Church Road and Heartlands Parkway, requiring riders bound for Saltley Gate to transfer to services 8A or 8C. The agency said diversion maps are available for all affected routes, though officials didn't specify where riders can access them.
Service Frequencies Adjusted During Work
Service 14 will run every 7-8 minutes on weekdays during the diversion period, while combined services 94 and 95 will operate every 11-12 minutes on weekdays, officials said. Weekend frequencies will vary by service, though the agency didn't release specific Saturday and Sunday schedules. The changes take effect May 10, 2026, and will remain in place for up to 18 months, meaning service could return to normal routes as late as November 2027.
Riders Face Longer Journeys
Passengers should allow extra travel time as diverted routes will take longer than usual, transit officials said. All bus stops along the diversion routes will continue operating throughout the 18-month closure period. Riders can track real-time bus locations and receive service alerts through Moovit, which provides updated route information and trip planning for Birmingham bus services during the construction period.
