West Midlands Adapts Routes for HS2 Viaduct Work

B4114 road closes May 10 for 18 months as HS2 demolishes and rebuilds Saltley Viaduct

HS2 Viaduct Work Closes B4114 Road for 18 Months

Drivers and pedestrians in Birmingham will lose access to a key road for 18 months as work begins on a major viaduct rebuild for the HS2 high-speed rail project. The B4114 road closes May 10 for demolition and reconstruction of the 183-meter Saltley Viaduct, located two miles northeast of Birmingham city centre, officials confirmed. Balfour Beatty VINCI will lead the 18-month programme to replace the existing bridge with a structure two meters higher to accommodate the new railway below.

Second Major Bridge Rebuild for HS2 in Area

The Saltley Viaduct project marks the second major road bridge reconstruction for HS2 in the Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells area. The replacement structure must be built higher than the current viaduct to provide clearance for high-speed trains that'll run beneath it, according to HS2 Ltd. The new bridge superstructure will be installed using two construction methods, including a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter for the railway span section. Officials said the work is essential to accommodate the new high-speed rail services planned for the UK.

Rail and Canal Services Face Temporary Closures

Rail services between Birmingham and Derby will be disrupted during two weekends when engineers demolish sections of the viaduct: June 6-7 and June 13-14. The Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal will close to narrowboats and pedestrians from July 14 to August 17 during the works. HS2 Ltd and Balfour Beatty VINCI have coordinated with Birmingham City Council and Transport for the West Midlands to establish safe diversion routes for all modes of transport. The recently opened Aston Church Road overbridge will serve as a key diversion route during construction, officials said.

Four-Stage Demolition Programme Begins After Closure

The B4114 road closure on May 10 will be followed by a four-stage demolition programme, though officials haven't released specific timelines for each phase. The 18-month reconstruction timeline extends into late 2026, based on the May start date. Local communities are asked to familiarize themselves with approved diversion routes and allow extra time for journeys during the construction period. Officials said coordination with local authorities has been ongoing to minimize disruption.

Drivers Should Plan Alternative Routes During Work

Motorists, pedestrians and canal users should expect significant changes to their usual routes throughout the 18-month construction period. The recently opened Aston Church Road overbridge provides an alternative for road traffic, while rail passengers will need to use replacement services during the two June weekends. Officials said they've worked to establish diversion routes that accommodate all modes of transport. Moovit provides real-time updates and alternative route planning for Birmingham-area transit services affected by the construction work.