West Midlands Upgrades Key Corridor With Night Work
Bus route 50 diverts overnight for three nights as Bradford Street closes for resurfacing
Bradford Street Closure Diverts Bus Route 50
West Midlands commuters who rely on bus service 50 will face overnight detours for three nights starting February 22, 2026. National Express West Midlands confirmed Bradford Street in Digbeth will close for resurfacing between 10pm and 5am from Sunday through Tuesday. The closure affects the stretch from Alcester Street to Moat Lane, requiring route 50 to divert during those hours.
Resurfacing Work Requires Nighttime Closure
The overnight closure schedule aims to minimize disruption to daytime commuters while allowing essential road maintenance to proceed, transit officials said. Resurfacing projects typically take several nights to complete depending on weather conditions and pavement requirements. The work focuses on maintaining road quality and safety in the Digbeth area, which serves as a key corridor for multiple bus routes. Officials didn't specify whether additional nights might be needed if weather delays the project.
Service 50 Follows Temporary Route
Bus service 50 will operate on a diversion route during the three-night closure period, though National Express West Midlands didn't release specific details about which streets the temporary route will use. The company said passengers should expect potential delays during the overnight hours when the diversion is active. Officials recommended riders check for updates before traveling, as schedules may change during construction. The exact length of the diversion route and whether it'll add significant travel time wasn't specified in available information.
Three-Night Timeline Set for Late February
The resurfacing work begins Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continues through Tuesday, February 24, with closures from 10pm to 5am each night. Normal service on Bradford Street will resume by 5am Wednesday, February 25, officials said. The nighttime-only schedule allows the road to remain open during peak commuting hours. Whether the project could extend beyond the three planned nights if complications arise wasn't addressed by the transit agency.
Riders Advised to Plan Ahead
Passengers who use service 50 during late evening or early morning hours should allow extra travel time during the three-night construction period. National Express West Midlands said riders can expect the diversion to affect travel times, though specific delay estimates weren't provided. The company advised checking for real-time updates before traveling. Moovit provides current bus locations and schedule information for National Express West Midlands routes throughout the region.
