West Midlands Adapts Routes for HS2 Infrastructure Work
B4114 Saltley Road closes May 10 for 18-month HS2 viaduct demolition and rebuild
B4114 Saltley Road Shuts May 10 for HS2 Work
A major road in Birmingham's Saltley district will close to all traffic and pedestrians starting May 10 as HS2 engineers begin demolishing and rebuilding the Saltley Viaduct. The B4114 closure affects a 183-metre section located two miles northeast of Birmingham city centre, with reconstruction expected to take up to 18 months. HS2's construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI, will lead the four-stage demolition and rebuild programme to accommodate new high-speed rail services.
Viaduct Rebuild Enables High-Speed Rail Expansion
The existing Saltley Viaduct must be replaced to allow HS2's high-speed railway to pass beneath the structure. The new viaduct will stand two metres taller than the original bridge, providing necessary clearance for modern rail infrastructure. HS2 Ltd and Balfour Beatty VINCI worked with Birmingham City Council and Transport for the West Midlands to plan the project and establish diversion routes. Officials said the work has been carefully scheduled to minimize disruptions across multiple transportation corridors, including the Birmingham and Derby rail line, Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, and River Rea.
Multi-Phase Closure Affects Road, Rail and Canal
The reconstruction involves coordinated closures across several transport modes throughout summer 2025. Rail services between Birmingham and Derby will see changes during two weekends in June, though specific dates and service modifications weren't detailed in available information. The Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal will close to narrowboats and pedestrians from July 14 to August 17 between Roving Bridge 97 and the M6 Viaduct at Salford Junction. The bridge's new superstructure will be installed in sections using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters and cranes during the construction period.
18-Month Timeline for Complete Reconstruction
The B4114 closure begins May 10, with the full reconstruction programme expected to take up to 18 months to complete. Officials said the four-stage demolition will proceed after the road closes to vehicles and pedestrians. The project timeline extends into 2026, though a specific completion date wasn't provided by HS2 or Balfour Beatty VINCI.
Drivers and Pedestrians Face Extended Detours
Motorists and pedestrians who regularly use the B4114 in Saltley will need alternative routes for the duration of the 18-month construction period. Transport for the West Midlands and Birmingham City Council established diversion routes to accommodate displaced traffic, though specific detour paths weren't detailed in available information. Moovit provides real-time navigation and route planning for Birmingham-area travelers adjusting to the B4114 closure and related transport changes.
