Drivers planning to travel through Birmingham city centre and the Jewellery Quarter over the weekend should prepare for extensive road closures due to the European Athletics Championships taking place in the city. The event, spanning seven days, has prompted numerous closures from the evening of Friday 14 August until the evening of Sunday 16 August.
Several major roads in the city centre - including Colmore Row, Colmore Circus Queensway, Suffolk Street Queensway, and Great Charles Queensway - will be closed at various times, with some closures lasting over 50 hours. This is expected to lead to heavier traffic and may render familiar routes inaccessible for motorists.
Additionally, parking restrictions will be in place on these roads, and local residents have been advised to move their vehicles accordingly to avoid penalties and allow event operations to proceed smoothly.
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An information leaflet distributed by the event organisers states: “Thank you for your understanding. We aim to minimise disruption as much as possible and would love for you to be part of Birmingham 2026!”
The scheduled road closures are as follows:
Friday 14 August:
- Specific closures beginning this evening (exact times not detailed)
Sunday 16 August:
- Certain roads closed from 8am to 6.30pm
Saturday 15 August:
- Closures from 3am to 3pm
Sunday 16 August:
- Various road closures from 3am to times between 1pm and 4.30pm
Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes, allow extra travel time, and stay informed of any updates during the championships.