Commuters across Birmingham and the Black Country faced significant travel disruption on Friday morning as snow and icy roads forced the diversion of multiple bus services.
Widespread Service Alterations
As of 9am on Friday, January 2, 2026, around eight National Express West Midlands bus routes were unable to follow their normal paths. The affected areas include Hawksley, Longbridge, Woodgate Valley, Bartley Green, Blackheath, and Willenhall. The disruptions come as an amber severe weather warning for ice and snow remains active across the West Midlands, with temperatures hovering around zero.
List of Affected Bus Routes and Diversions
The following services were operating with diversions as of Friday morning:
- Service 13 (Birmingham - Blackheath): Buses are using Wolverhampton Road, Queensway, and continuing to Brandhall Interchange. Salop Road is closed; passengers should use Pottery Road, Norman Road, and Hurst Road.
- Service 24 (Birmingham - Woodgate Valley North): Buses continue to use Quinton Road; Highfield Lane is not being served.
- Service 35 (Birmingham - Hawkesley): Buses are diverting via Parsons Hill and Masshouse Lane. Hillmeads Road is not served.
- Service 37 (Walsall - Willenhall): Buses are not serving Stroud Avenue or Sandbeds Road.
- Service 45 (Birmingham - Longbridge): Buses are diverting along Green Lane. Tunnel Road and Trevol Road are not served.
- Service 48 (West Bromwich - Hawkesley): With Beckbury Road closed, buses are using Castle Road in both directions.
- Service 49 (Solihull - Rubery, Great Park): Buses are diverting via Parsons Hill and Masshouse Lane. Hillmeads Road is not served.
- Service X22 (Birmingham - Bartley Green): Buses are using Clapgate Lane. Jiggins Road is not being served.
Weather Outlook and Travel Advice
The Met Office forecast for the region indicated that icy stretches would persist initially as a band of rain, sleet, and snow cleared through the morning. The rest of the day was expected to bring plenty of sunshine, though it would feel cold in a brisk breeze, with an odd wintry shower possible in the afternoon. The maximum temperature was predicted to reach just 4°C.
Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, check for the latest travel updates from National Express West Midlands before setting out, and take care on footpaths and roads which may remain slippery.
