April 2018

Birmingham Connected update for April 2018 containing transport news and information

Included in this update:

Flavour of things to come

The process of reinventing Birmingham as a major modern player on the international stage is set to gain further momentum in 2018. Major projects including the construction of HS2, the extension of the Metro tram network and the redevelopment of large areas of the city centre have huge potential benefits – measured in billions of pounds of inward investment and thousands of new jobs and training opportunities. But the sheer scale of these activities means that there will be an inevitable impact on daily life.

Birmingham Connected is committed to keeping the city moving, at work and open for new business. We believe that effective and timely communication is a key ingredient in this task. To help reduce congestion and pollution, we encourage everyone to leave the car at home and use public transport, walk or cycle whenever possible.

May bank holiday rail upgrades

If you are planning to travel by rail over the May bank holiday weekends, please check before you travel and plan ahead. Improvement works are taking place on a number of routes over the early May bank holiday (5-7 May) and the spring bank holiday (26 to 28 May). Bus replacement services and diversions will be in place, so you may need to leave extra time for your journey. Find out more and plan your journey.

Several major events will be taking place over the weekend of 26 to 28 May, including Birmingham Pride and The Biggest Weekend (Coventry). Services will be very busy on some routes.

National Express has some great offers for coach travel to Birmingham.

Dippy on Tour!

If you are travelling back in time to visit Dippy at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery on the opening day of the exhibition (Saturday 26 May), please note that entry will be via the Gas Hall entrance (at the rear of the Council House). You are advised to book your tickets in advance for this exhibition. Victoria Square will be extremely busy with Birmingham Pride festivities taking place.

HS2 works – closure of Fazeley Street

Preparation works for the new HS2 Curzon Street Station require an archaeological excavation of the land around Fazeley Street. From 14 May 2018 Fazeley Street (between Park Street and New Canal Street) is due to be permanently closed to traffic and pedestrians in both directions. Read further information on the HS2 website.

Belgrave Middleway - A38 cycle route works

Major improvements are currently being made to the junction at Belgrave Middleway which will benefit both pedestrians and cyclists. These works require night-time lane restrictions (10pm to 6am) from Sunday to Thursday until mid-May 2018 and temporary traffic signals. From mid-May a 24 hour closure of one lane of the A38 towards Selly Oak will be required. Pedestrian access across the east side of the Belgrave junction has closed and an alternative route is provided to the west side whilst these works take place.

This is part of the Birmingham Cycle Revolution (BCR) works to create a segregated cycle route along the A38, from Selly Oak to the city centre. Read more about the work.

To minimise disruption to journeys, these cycle route works are combined with maintenance work needed to replace the existing signals and tarmac surfacing.

BCR towpath improvements

Works to widen the towpath under the Edgbaston Tunnel are well underway again following previous delays. This section of the towpath is expected to remain closed until 20 May 2018. Read more about the works being undertaken.

As part of BCR works to improve canal access for cyclists and pedestrians Canal & River Trust has begun minor work on the Grand Union Canal at Acocks Green. The existing steps at Lincoln Road are being refurbished and a wheeling ramp for cyclists added. Access at this point is likely to be closed until mid-May. The towpath itself will remain open throughout the works. Read more about the works being undertaken.

Our canals are special places, please remember to 'share with care' and reduce your speed when necessary. Download maps to help you make the most of these fantastic routes by bike or on foot.

HSBC UK Let’s Ride Birmingham 2018

On Sunday 10 June a FREE cycling festival will take place in Birmingham city centre. Bring your bikes, family and friends to enjoy cycling on a 5K traffic free route around the city. Register online for your free place.

Westside redevelopment

The major transformation of the west side of the city includes the redevelopment of Paradise, renovation of Centenary Square and extension of the Midland Metro. All the businesses and attractions on Broad Street remain open, so you can still enjoy a night out, just be sure to plan your journey. Buses continue to run along Broad Street and the area also remains accessible to pedestrians, cycles and taxis (Hackney cabs). Read more about the works being undertaken.

Highways England M6 works (J2 to J4)

Highways England continues work on the M6 between junctions 2 and 4 (Coventry to Coleshill) to create a ‘smart motorway’. Full closures are required southbound between junction 4a to 2 overnight (10pm to 6am) until 28 April 2018. The northbound carriageway will require a full closure overnight (10pm to 6am) on 30 April 2018.

Save the date and start planning!

Getting involved with these events is a great way to encourage your workplace or organisation to promote active and sustainable travel:

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