Passengers using the Cross City line are being urged to plan ahead as a three‑day closure takes place between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley, allowing HS2 engineers to complete a critical stage of construction at Curzon Street.
From Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May, no trains will operate on the northern section of the Cross City line. Normal services will resume on Monday 1 June. The southern section, between Birmingham New Street and Redditch/Bromsgrove, will continue to run as normal throughout the works.
The closure is required to safely install a 150‑metre‑long viaduct deck near the new HS2 Curzon Street station. Once in place, the structure will carry HS2 services over the existing Victorian railway viaduct between Duddeston and Birmingham New Street.
Rail replacement services and diversions
To manage the disruption, rail replacement buses will operate between:
- Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley
- Birmingham New Street and Tame Bridge Parkway
Train services between Birmingham New Street and Tame Bridge Parkway will also be affected during the closure.
Services to Rugeley Trent Valley will be diverted, with journeys taking longer than usual. Passengers are advised to allow extra time and check travel arrangements before setting out.
Innovative installation approach to limit future disruption
The viaduct installation forms part of a carefully planned engineering programme, building on the success of similar works delivered elsewhere on the HS2 route. Engineers will use a ‘fully restrained’ installation method, enabling the remaining sections of the viaduct to be slid into position even after the railway reopens.
This approach is designed to reduce the need for further extended closures, helping to minimise disruption to passengers while maintaining safety.
Patrick Cawley, director for On Network Works at Network Rail and HS2, said:
“We’re reminding passengers to plan ahead for a three-day closure on the Cross City line between Birmingham and Lichfield to enable the safe installation of a new HS2 viaduct over the existing railway.
“This is a significant milestone in the delivery of HS2 at Curzon Street, and while there will be some disruption, we’ve worked closely with partners to keep people moving and minimise the impact as much as possible.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, added:
“We want to thank passengers for their patience while this major piece of engineering work is carried out and the northern section of the Cross City Line is closed. Rail replacement buses will be running during the closure, and passengers are encouraged to check their travel before setting out.”
Image and video credits: Network Rail
