West Midlands Safeguards Service During Highway Work

Birmingham routes 997, 998 detour via five streets during overnight highway work

Birmingham 997, 998 Buses Reroute March 9-10

Birmingham-area riders on routes 997 and 998 will see service changes for two nights in March due to highway work. NX Bus West Midlands confirmed Aldridge Road will close at Shady Lane from 7pm to 5am on Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The overnight closure affects buses traveling between Birmingham and Walsall during those hours.

Nighttime Highway Work Prompts Service Changes

The temporary closure allows essential highway maintenance at the Aldridge Road and Shady Lane junction in Oscott, transit officials said. Nighttime work schedules are common for major road projects to minimize daytime traffic disruption. The two-night closure window suggests focused repair or resurfacing work that requires full road access. Transit agencies typically coordinate with highway departments weeks in advance to plan service diversions around construction projects.

Buses Will Use Five-Street Detour Route

Birmingham-bound buses on routes 997 and 998 will detour via Beacon Road, Queslett Road, Kings Road, Shady Lane, and Oscott School Lane during the closure hours. Walsall-bound buses will follow the same streets in reverse order. The diversion adds several turns to the normal route, though officials didn't specify how much additional travel time riders should expect. NX Bus West Midlands said the detour will only affect service during the 7pm to 5am closure window on both nights.

Two-Night Closure Runs Overnight Only

The Aldridge Road closure begins at 7pm on Monday, March 9 and ends at 5am Tuesday, March 10, then repeats Tuesday evening through Wednesday morning. Daytime service on routes 997 and 998 won't be affected, with buses returning to normal routing after 5am each day. The overnight-only schedule limits impact to late-evening and early-morning riders who use the routes for shift work or late travel.

Riders Should Check Schedules Before Travel

Passengers who regularly use routes 997 and 998 during evening hours should plan for longer travel times on March 9 and 10. NX Bus West Midlands advised riders to check schedules in advance, with timetable information available through the operator's website. Moovit provides real-time updates for Birmingham bus routes, helping riders track diverted buses and plan alternative connections during the temporary service changes.