West Midlands Reroutes 6 Routes for Roadwork

Six bus routes diverted May 1 as Reddicap Heath Road closes for maintenance work

Sutton Coldfield Road Closure Diverts 6 Bus Routes

Six National Express West Midlands bus routes will be diverted Friday when Reddicap Heath Road closes for highway maintenance in Sutton Coldfield. The closure affects routes 77B, 77S, 813, 814, 815, and X4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 1, transit officials said. The affected section runs between Hollyfield Road and Walsh Drive, where crews will conduct roadwork during the six-hour closure.

Context

The temporary closure is part of ongoing highway maintenance work in the Sutton Coldfield area, according to National Express West Midlands. Transit agencies typically coordinate with local highway departments to schedule road closures during off-peak hours to minimize disruption to commuters. The six-hour midday window allows crews to complete work while avoiding morning and evening rush periods. Officials didn't specify what type of highway work will be performed or whether additional closures are planned for the area.

Details

Route 77B toward Bishop Walsh will be rerouted via Rectory Road, Carhampton Road, Falcon Lodge Crescent, and Churchill Road. Route 77S toward Reddicap Heath will terminate early at Falcon Lodge Crescent after diverting through Hollyfield Road and Rectory Road. Routes 813, 814, and 815 will use alternative paths via Hollyfield Road, Rectory Road, and Carhampton Road in both directions. Route X4 will divert through Rectory Road, Carhampton Road, Churchill Road, and Falcon Lodge Crescent. Officials didn't say how many riders typically use these routes or how much additional travel time the diversions will add.

Timeline

The road closure and bus diversions take effect at 9 a.m. Friday, May 1, and will remain in place until 3 p.m. the same day. Normal bus service on all affected routes will resume once the closure ends and the road reopens to traffic. Officials advised passengers to check timetables before traveling but didn't specify how much advance notice riders should allow for potential delays caused by the diversions.

Impact

Riders on the six affected routes should expect longer travel times and different stop locations during the closure period. Passengers who normally board or alight along the closed section of Reddicap Heath Road will need to use alternative stops along the diversion routes. Officials advised travelers to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra time. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and alternative route suggestions for National Express West Midlands services during disruptions.