HS2 Construction Disrupts Birmingham’s National Express Bus Routes Starting at Saltley Viaduct

From May 10, National Express bus routes in Birmingham will run altered services because of HS2 construction at Saltley Viaduct. Some routes face disruption for as long as 18 months. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for journeys.

Affected services and key changes

Routes 8A and 8C

Services 8A and 8C are the first to be rerouted. Frequencies remain unchanged despite the diversions.

• 8C towards Aston will leave Adderley Road and use Washwood Heath Road.
• It will then turn left into Aston Church Road and left again into Heartlands Parkway.
• The service rejoins its normal path after the Saltley Viaduct junction.
• 8A towards Bordesley Green will operate the reverse diversion.

Routes 14, 94 and 95

Services 14, 94 and 95 will also follow diversionary paths. Some regular stops will be bypassed temporarily.

• 14 towards Birmingham will divert from Alum Rock Road to Adderley Road, then Duddeston Mill Road.
• Devon Street, Alderflat Place and Mainstream Way will not be served while works continue.
• 14 towards Chelmsley Wood will use the reverse route and serve stops on the diversion.
• 94 and 95 towards Birmingham will divert via Washwood Heath Road, Aston Church Road and Heartlands Parkway.
• Those services return to normal routing after the Saltley Viaduct junction on the outbound leg.

Reason for the disruptions

HS2 construction requires a new, taller viaduct at Saltley. The existing bridge cannot accommodate HS2 beneath it.

Building the replacement structure means temporary road closures and changed bus movements. This will affect National Express bus routes across the site.

Advice for passengers

Filmogaz.com advises travellers to check departure times and allow additional journey time. Delays are possible because of the altered layout.

• Passengers needing Saltley Gate should change to services 8A or 8C at Washwood Heath Road or Nechells Parkway.
• Service frequencies will not change on the affected routes, but trips may take longer.
• Detours are expected to remain in place for several months, with some impacts lasting up to 18 months.

Next steps

Confirm routes with National Express before travel. Monitor updates while HS2 work progresses at Saltley Viaduct.

Advance planning will reduce the risk of missed connections during the construction period.