Welcome to the latest Birmingham Connected update containing transport news and information which we hope you will find useful. Please feel free to forward and share this information.
Included in this update:
May bank holiday rail upgrades
Belgrave Middleway – A38 cycle route works
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 (26-28 May). Bus replacement services and diversions will be in place, so you may need to leave extra time for your journey. Click to find out more and plan your journey.
Several major events will be taking place over the weekend of 26-28 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. Click for further information.
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 (22:00-06:00) 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. Click for further information.
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. Click for further information.
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. Click for further information.
Our canals are special places, please remember to ‘share with care’ and reduce your speed when necessary. Click here to find downloadable 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. Click to register 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). Click for further information.
Highways England M6 works (J2-4)
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-2 overnight (22:00-06:00) until 28 April 2018. The northbound carriageway will require a full closure overnight (22:00-06:00) on 30 April 2018. Click for further information.
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:
- May – Living Streets National Walking Month
- 21-25 May – Walk to School Week
- 9-17 June – Bike Week 2018
- 10 June – HSBC UK Let’s Ride Birmingham 2018
- 21 June – Clean Air Day 2018
With best wishes,
The Birmingham Connected Team
Part of the Economy Directorate of Birmingham City Council
Birmingham Connected is the vision for the future of transport in Birmingham, working towards a safer, healthier, greener city with a reliable integrated transport system which supports our growing population and economy.
Find out more at www.birmingham.gov.uk/connected
Twitter: @bhamconnected or @bham20mph or @BCRbirmingham
Facebook: @bham20mph or @BirminghamCycleRevolution
We urge everyone to be vigilant and immediately report anything they find suspicious or concerning.
British Transport Police text 61016
Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321
In an emergency call 999
Save the date and start planning!
Highways England M6 works (J2-4)
www.BrumCityCentre.com 