HS2 Set to Rebuild Saltley Viaduct in Major 18-Month Programme

HS2 is preparing to begin a significant infrastructure upgrade in Birmingham, with work to demolish and rebuild Saltley Viaduct set to get underway in May.

The viaduct, located around two miles north-east of the city centre, will close to all traffic and pedestrians from 10 May 2026, marking the start of an extensive 18-month construction programme.

Raising the route for HS2

The existing structure, which carries the B4114 over a 183-metre span, will be completely replaced with a new viaduct built two metres higher. This will create the necessary clearance for the HS2 railway line to pass beneath.

The project is being delivered by Balfour Beatty, HS2’s main works contractor in the area.

Complex, carefully phased works

Given the viaduct’s location—crossing the Birmingham to Derby railway line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, and the River Rea—the works have been carefully staged to minimise disruption across multiple transport networks.

Initial demolition activity will take place over two consecutive weekends in June, when sections of the structure and the nearby former Aston Church Road bridge will be removed. These works will require temporary changes to rail services, with passengers advised to plan ahead.

Further demolition phases will follow, including works over the canal and river, which will involve a temporary closure of the waterway between July and August.

Improved facilities on completion

Once rebuilt, the new viaduct will feature a wider deck, providing enhanced space for pedestrians and cyclists, alongside improved safety measures.

Travel disruption expected

Local residents and commuters are being urged to prepare for disruption during the construction period. Diversion routes will be in place, and some bus services will be rerouted, with additional stops and services introduced in coordination with Transport for West Midlands.

HS2 representatives have thanked the community for their patience, advising people to check travel plans in advance and allow extra time for journeys.

A key step forward

The reconstruction of Saltley Viaduct is a critical part of the HS2 programme in the West Midlands, enabling the new high-speed line to integrate into Birmingham’s existing transport network.

While the works will bring short-term disruption, they are set to deliver long-term improvements in connectivity and infrastructure for the region.