Birmingham drivers have been warned that a road demolition scheme set to last up to 18 months will start within days. Saltley Viaduct, which spans 183 metres of the B4114, will close to vehicles and pedestrians on Sunday, May 10.
As part of a four-stage scheme, it will be replaced with a new structure to make room for HS2 trains to run below. The works will be conducted in stages as Saltley Viaduct spans the Birmingham and Derby rail line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, and the River Rea.
The demolition and construction scheme, which will also see buses rerouted and rail services affected, was meticulously planned to minimise disruption, it was said.
Bus and rail disruptions
A number of bus routes across Birmingham will be affected following the closure. Victoria Roberts, HS2’s senior engagement and interface lead for the West Midlands, said: “We thank communities for their patience ahead of this next stage of construction works and ask people to familiarise themselves with approved diversion routes that will be put in place.
“As some bus services will be rerouted, we’ve worked closely with Transport for West Midlands to ensure additional temporary stops and extra services will be put in place. If you live or work in the area, please check before you travel and allow extra time for your journey.”
During the first phase of works, there will be changes to rail services between Birmingham and Derby for two weekends, on June 6 and 7 and 13 and 14, while engineers demolish the former Aston Church Road overbridge and a section of the Saltley Viaduct directly above the railway line. Passengers were advised to plan their journeys in advance.
Canal and pedestrian access
The remaining east and west sections of Saltley Viaduct – which cross the River Rea and the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal – will then be demolished. The canal will close to narrowboats and pedestrians from July 14 to August 17, between Roving Bridge 97 and the M6 viaduct at Salford Junction. A pontoon will be installed to facilitate access during the works, with a diversion via the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal using Aston Locks.
New viaduct design
Once complete, the new Saltley Viaduct will be two metres higher than the current bridge and four and a half metres wider, providing extra space for cyclists and pedestrians. The project is part of the wider HS2 development, which aims to improve rail connectivity across the UK.
