Skip to main content
Beta

This is a new service - your feedback will help us to improve it.

Washwood Heath

Saltley Viaduct

Ends: Ongoing

Last updated: 15 July 2026

What’s happening?

In the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham, long term works to accommodate the arrival of HS2 are ongoing and include the demolition and reconstruction of both Aston Church Road and Saltley Viaduct.

The new Aston Church Road bridge is now completed and in use.

Works to replace Saltley Viaduct started on Sunday 10 May 2026 with the road now closed for 18 months.

Bus routes are on diversion and traffic is being advised to avoid the area and use A47 Heartlands Expressway and Aston Church Road as a diversion route

A new bridge will also be constructed to carry the high-speed train over the Lawley Middleway dual carriageway.

Find out more about HS2 works here.

Please check this page regularly for updates and continue to plan your journey ahead.

Saltley Viaduct

To construct a new taller and safer bridge, Saltley Viaduct will be closed from Sunday 10 May 2026 with demolition and construction works scheduled to take place for up to 18 months.

All traffic will be diverted.

There will be signed diversions in place with certain major bus services travelling through Washwood Heath changing route to accommodate the closure.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be unable to use the road during the closure but a full safe diversion route via Duddeston Mill Road will be clearly signposted.

Travelling by bus?

Due to the long term HS2 Saltley Viaduct closure, the NX 95 bus service will be operating on a diversion through Washwood heath from Sunday 19 July until the end of the closure November 2027. The service will run:


- As a single decker bus


- More frequently than usual


- On a revised route via Devon street, Duddeston Mill Road & Adderley Road for the duration of the closure (expected until November 2027).


Some bus stops will now be back in use and we advise you to plan your journeys ahead of time.

Local traffic

Vehicles will be redirected via Aston Church Road and Duddeston Mill Road via clearly signed diversions.

Through traffic

If you travel through or around the Washwood Heath area you will need to allow more time for your journey. 


Avoid the Alum Rock Road & Washwood Heath Road if possible.​

Travel tips

You will still be able to get to where you need to go, but consider the following:

Plan ahead:. Allow extra time for journeys in and around Washwood Heath and avoid Alum Rock Road, Aston Church Road, Heartlands Parkway and Washwood Heath Road where possible.
Public transport:. Bus routes will change during the closure. Services 14, 8A, 8C, 94 and 95 may use different stops or routes, and journeys may take longer. Please plan ahead. Rail services will not be affected.
Cycling and active travel:. Pedestrians and cyclists will be unable to use the road during the closure, but a full diversion route will be signposted. For short local trips, consider walking or cycling and follow signed diversion routes.
Travel times:. If possible, avoid peak travel times, particularly 08:00–09:00 and 14:00–16:00 during school hours.
`