Birmingham Drivers Face Major Disruption as Saltley Viaduct Demolition Begins

Birmingham drivers are being urged to prepare for significant disruption as the demolition of the Saltley Viaduct begins this Sunday, May 10. The 183-metre viaduct spanning the B4114 will close to both vehicles and pedestrians as part of a major infrastructure project linked to HS2.

This ambitious four-stage scheme will see the existing viaduct replaced with a new, larger structure to accommodate HS2 trains running beneath it. The Saltley Viaduct crosses over the Birmingham and Derby rail line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, and the River Rea, necessitating a complex, phased approach to minimize disruption.

The demolition and rebuilding project is expected to last up to 18 months. During this time, bus routes will be significantly affected, with temporary stops and rerouted services introduced in coordination with Transport for West Midlands. Rail services between Birmingham and Derby will also experience interruptions, especially over two weekends in June when part of the viaduct and the Aston Church Road overbridge will be demolished.

Community liaison for HS2, Victoria Roberts, emphasized the importance of public awareness: “We thank communities for their patience ahead of this next stage of construction and encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with diversion routes and plan their journeys accordingly. Additional bus services and stops will assist travel around the disruption.”

From July 14 to August 17, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal section between Roving Bridge 97 and Salford Junction will be closed to narrowboats and pedestrians. A temporary pontoon and a diversion via the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal using Aston Locks will support continued access during canal closure.

Once completed, the new Saltley Viaduct will be wider by four and a half metres and two metres higher than the existing bridge, providing improved space for cyclists and pedestrians, and enhancing connectivity in the area.