West Midlands Reroutes Buses for Utility Work
Rowley Regis bus routes 3 and 3A detour around Shelsey Avenue for utility repairs March 30-April 3
Rowley Regis Bus Routes 3, 3A Reroute for Repairs
Bus riders in Rowley Regis will face route changes on services 3 and 3A as Shelsey Avenue closes for utility repairs, transit officials said. The diversions run Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3, 2026, with the street closed daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Severn Trent's conducting essential repair works that'll require both routes to detour around the affected section.
Why the Closure's Happening
The weeklong closure accommodates infrastructure repairs by Severn Trent, the regional water and sewage company, according to transit officials. Utility work often requires street closures during off-peak hours to minimize disruption while ensuring crews can safely access underground infrastructure. The 9:30am to 3:30pm window avoids morning and evening rush periods, though midday riders will still need to adjust their travel plans. Officials said the repairs are essential maintenance that can't be postponed.
How Routes Will Change
Service 3 toward Merry Hill will divert from Newbury Lane, continue past Martley Road junction, and proceed along Portway Road before rejoining its normal route after Throne Road junction. The West Bromwich-bound Service 3 will follow the reverse path. Service 3A toward Blackheath will leave Newbury Lane, pass Martley Road junction, turn left onto Throne Road, then right onto Stuart Road to resume its regular route. Service 3A heading to West Bromwich will take the opposite diversion. Officials didn't specify whether the detours will add travel time or affect service frequency.
When Changes Take Effect
The diversions begin Monday, March 30, 2026, and continue through Friday, April 3, with daily closures from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Shelsey Avenue will reopen each afternoon after 3:30pm, allowing evening service to operate normally. Officials said riders should expect the modified routes throughout the five-day period, though they didn't indicate whether weekend service might be affected if repairs run longer than scheduled.
What Riders Need to Know
Passengers should plan for longer travel times and check schedules before heading out, transit officials said. The detours will affect anyone traveling through the Shelsey Avenue corridor during midday hours throughout the work week. Moovit provides real-time bus tracking and route updates for services 3 and 3A, helping riders navigate the temporary changes and find the quickest connections during the closure period.
