West Midlands Routes Detour for Road Work
Birmingham bus routes 48 and X21 detour around Gregory Avenue April 27-28 for maintenance
Birmingham Routes 48, X21 Reroute for Road Work
Two NX West Midlands bus routes will detour around Gregory Avenue in Weoley Castle for highway maintenance work on April 27-28. Routes 48 and X21 will follow alternative paths while the street's closed between Shenley Lane and Weoley Castle Road from 9:30am to 2:30pm both days, transit officials said. The diversions affect service in both directions during the five-hour closure periods.
Maintenance Work Requires Temporary Street Closure
The road closure accommodates highway maintenance work that requires full street access during daytime hours, according to NX West Midlands. Transit agencies typically schedule such closures during off-peak midday periods to minimize disruption to morning and evening commuters. The two-day timeline suggests the work involves resurfacing, utility repairs, or infrastructure improvements that can't be completed overnight. Officials didn't specify the exact nature of the highway work or whether additional closure days might be needed if weather or other factors delay completion.
Routes Will Follow Alternative Paths During Closure
Route 48 will detour in both directions during the closure periods, while Route X21 will follow alternative routes toward Bartley Green and Birmingham, transit officials said. The diversions will maintain service continuity while crews complete the highway work. Officials didn't release detailed turn-by-turn diversion routes or specify which streets buses will use as alternates. The agency also hasn't said whether the detours will add travel time for passengers or if any stops will be temporarily relocated during the two-day closure period.
Two-Day Closure Scheduled for Late April
The Gregory Avenue closure takes effect Monday, April 27, and continues Tuesday, April 28, 2026, with work hours from 9:30am to 2:30pm each day. The street will reopen to normal traffic outside those hours, allowing evening and overnight access. NX West Midlands said bus routes will return to regular paths once the closure periods end each afternoon, though officials didn't specify the exact time service will resume normal routing.
Riders Should Check for Service Updates
Passengers using routes 48 and X21 should expect slightly different travel patterns during the midday closure periods on both days. NX West Midlands advised riders to check current timetables before traveling, though officials didn't say whether the detours will affect scheduled departure times or add delays. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and route updates for NX West Midlands services throughout Birmingham, helping riders track diverted buses and plan alternative connections during the temporary closure.
