Major Birmingham Route Faces Extended Closure for HS2 Preparations
A crucial transport artery in Birmingham is preparing for a significant closure as extensive works begin to facilitate the arrival of the HS2 high-speed rail line into the city. The A47 Heartlands Parkway will be shut down in both directions from February 22 to March 7, serving as the initial phase of what is projected to be a decade-long construction endeavor.
Details of the Closure and Long-Term Project Timeline
The closure will affect the section of the A47 Heartlands Parkway running from the Aston Church Road roundabout to the Saltley Viaduct roundabout. This disruption is necessary to enable preparatory works in the Washwood Heath area, which is a key location for HS2 infrastructure. According to current estimates, the overall project is not expected to be completed until 2036 at the earliest, with potential setbacks possibly extending this timeline further.
The long-term construction plan includes the demolition and reconstruction of two major structures:
- Aston Church Road overbridge
- Saltley Viaduct
Work will commence with the creation of a new bridge designed to carry the high-speed train across the dual carriageway. Once the Aston Church Road works are finished, attention will shift to the Saltley Viaduct, which will also be rebuilt to accommodate the new rail line over the Lawley Middleway dual carriageway.
Official Diversion Routes for Road Users
Transport for West Midlands has proactively established diversion routes to minimize inconvenience for travelers during the closure period. For motorists heading into Birmingham city centre, the recommended diversion will guide drivers onto Aston Church Road, followed by Nechells Park Road, and then the A47 via Goodrick Way.
For those traveling out of Birmingham, the alternative route will direct road users onto Thimble Mill Lane via Goodrick Way, then onto Long Acre, and finally the A47 via Cuckoo Road. These diversions are intended to maintain traffic flow while ensuring safety around the construction zones.
Public Transport Adjustments and Official Statement
Public transport services will also experience modifications during this period. National Express West Midlands services X12 and X13 will be rerouted to use Tyburn Road and the A38 Aston Expressway instead of their usual paths along the affected section of the A47.
Transport for West Midlands released an official statement regarding the upcoming works: "In the Washwood Heath area of Birmingham, works to accommodate the arrival of HS2 will be ongoing over the next decade and shortly gather momentum. These works include the demolition and reconstruction of both Aston Church Road overbridge and Saltley Viaduct."
The statement further clarified that the Saltley Viaduct works will begin upon completion of the Aston Church Road works, with a new bridge being constructed specifically to carry the high-speed train over the Lawley Middleway dual carriageway. This phased approach aims to systematically transform the area's infrastructure to support the future HS2 service.
