City bridge to shut for major HS2 rebuild

A major Birmingham road bridge will close for up to 18 months as part of HS2 works to make way for new high speed rail services.

Saltley Viaduct, which crosses the B4114 in Saltley, will shut to vehicles and pedestrians from 10 May before being demolished and rebuilt.

The existing bridge will be replaced with a new structure two metres higher and four and a half metres wider, allowing the HS2 railway line to pass underneath while creating more space for cyclists and pedestrians.

The complex four-stage demolition and rebuild, will involve work above the Birmingham to Derby rail line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal and the River Rea.

Victoria Roberts, HS2's senior engagement and interface lead for the West Midlands, said local people should prepare for disruption.

"We thank local communities for their patience ahead of this next stage of construction works and ask people to familiarise themselves with the approved diversion routes that will be put in place," she said.

Some bus services would be re-routed and extra temporary stops and additional services would be introduced.

"If you live or work in the area, please check before you travel and allow extra time for your journey," she added.

Rail passengers will also face disruption, with service changes between Birmingham and Derby across two weekends in June while engineers demolish part of the viaduct and the former Aston Church Road overbridge above the railway line.

The Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal will also close to boats and pedestrians from 14 July to 17 August.

Dan Binns, senior project manager for construction firm Balfour Beatty Vinci, said replacing the bridge in such a busy and restricted area was a major engineering challenge.

"We're incredibly grateful to those affected for their continued patience and understanding, while we deliver these essential works," he said.

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