HS2 engineers are preparing to begin a major reconstruction programme at Saltley, around two miles north‑east of Birmingham city centre, as works accelerate to enable the arrival of Britain’s new high‑speed railway.
From 10 May 2026, the existing Saltley Viaduct – which spans a 183‑metre section of the B4114 – will close to vehicles and pedestrians ahead of a four‑stage demolition and replacement programme. The structure will be rebuilt two metres higher to allow the HS2 alignment to pass beneath, while also delivering wider and safer facilities for active travel.
The highly complex operation, which is expected to take up to 18 months, is being delivered by Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2’s main construction partner in the West Midlands.
Staged demolition to protect rail, canal and river assets
Saltley Viaduct crosses three critical assets – the Birmingham and Derby rail line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, and the River Rea – requiring a carefully sequenced approach to demolition and construction.
HS2 and BBV have developed a phased programme designed to minimise disruption across all three interfaces, with close coordination involving Birmingham City Council and Transport for West Midlands.
The scheme follows the successful delivery of the Aston Church Road overbridge, which opened earlier this year and will now serve as a key diversion route during the Saltley Viaduct closure.
Travel changes and community engagement
Extensive work has already been completed to divert a dense network of utilities beneath the viaduct, enabling construction to proceed safely. Local residents, businesses and transport users are being urged to plan ahead as the next stage of works begins.
Victoria Roberts, HS2’s Senior Engagement and Interface Lead for the West Midlands, said:
“We thank local communities for their patience ahead of this next stage of construction works and ask people to familiarise themselves with the 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.”
Rail and canal closures planned
During the first phase of the programme, there will be changes to rail services between Birmingham and Derby across two weekends – 6–7 June and 13–14 June – as engineers demolish the former Aston Church Road overbridge and part of Saltley Viaduct above the railway.
Later phases will see the demolition of the eastern and western spans crossing the River Rea and the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal. The canal will close to narrowboats and pedestrians from 14 July to 17 August, between Roving Bridge 97 and the M6 Viaduct at Salford Junction.
A temporary pontoon access system will be installed, and a signed diversion will be available via the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal using Aston Locks, following close collaboration with the Canal & River Trust.
Innovative construction methods
The replacement viaduct will be installed using two distinct construction techniques. The span over the railway will be fabricated on‑site and moved into position using a Self‑Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT), reducing installation time and improving safety in a constrained environment.
Other sections of the deck will be assembled using cranes to lift steelwork into place.
Once complete, the new Saltley Viaduct will be two metres higher and 4.5 metres wider than the existing structure, providing improved space for cyclists and pedestrians alongside enhanced lighting and safety features.
Dan Binns, Senior Project Manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said:
“We’re preparing to demolish two major bridges, including the existing Saltley Viaduct and install a new, larger structure in its place. Delivering this construction programme in such a busy and confined space is a huge challenge, which has required a great deal of planning.
“We’re incredibly grateful to those affected for their continued patience and understanding, while we deliver these essential works.”
The new viaduct will mirror design enhancements delivered at Aston Church Road, including wider walkways and LED lighting integrated into weathering steel panels, supporting safer and more inclusive urban infrastructure.
Image credits: HS2
