Commuters across the West Midlands are facing significant travel disruption today as a spate of bus service diversions comes into force. The changes, implemented by National Express, are a direct response to hazardous, frosty road conditions affecting key routes.
Travel Advice and Weather Warning
National Express has issued a public plea for passengers to "stay safe" when travelling. A spokesperson for the bus operator confirmed the ongoing issues, stating: "Due to the current weather conditions today there are some disruptions to our services and diversions in place. Thank you for your patience and stay safe."
The transport woes are set against a backdrop of further severe weather, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for snow and ice. This alert is scheduled to be active from 3pm on Sunday, 4th January, until noon on Monday, 5th January 2026. Forecasters predict snow flurries could begin around 4pm on Sunday, potentially continuing overnight into Monday morning.
Full List of Affected Bus Services
The following National Express services are operating on amended routes as of today, Saturday, 3rd January 2026. Passengers are urged to allow extra time for their journeys.
Birmingham and Dudley Routes
Service 12 (Dudley - Birmingham towards Dudley): Buses are diverted via Shidas Lane, Portway Road and Birmingham New Road. This change avoids St James Road due to poor road conditions.
Service 13 (Birmingham - Blackheath): Significant diversions are in place in both directions. Buses are using Wolverhampton Road, Queensway and Brandhall Interchange. With Salop Road closed, services are instead using Pottery Road, Norman Road and Harborne Road.
Service 13 (Birmingham - Blackheath) – Additional Note: The road is closed one-way from Long Lane Roundabout towards Blackheath. Consequently, services travelling towards Birmingham will not serve this section of the route.
Service 24 (Birmingham - Woodgate Valley North): Buses will continue to use Quinton Road and will not serve Highfield Lane.
Service 126 (Dudley - Birmingham): Buses are running via Castle Hill, Birmingham Road and Birmingham New Road.
Service X22 (Birmingham - Bartley Green): A diversion is active on Jiggins Lane.
West Bromwich and Wednesbury Routes
Service 47 (West Bromwich - Wednesbury): From West Bromwich, buses are following All Saints Way, turning left onto Wilford Road, right onto Church Lane, left onto Bank Street, then right at the mini island onto Jowetts Lane. This diversion applies in both directions.
Service 49 (West Bromwich - Bearwood towards West Bromwich only): From Brandhall Interchange, buses continue onto Queensway, turn left onto Wolverhampton Road, then right at the second traffic lights. Tame Road and Grafton Road will not be served.
Looking Ahead
The combination of today's frost-related disruptions and the impending severe weather warning suggests travel conditions across the West Midlands will remain challenging into the start of the new week. Passengers are strongly advised to check for the latest service updates from National Express before setting out, plan their journeys carefully, and heed the operator's safety advice.
