Balfour Beatty VINCI to close and rebuild Saltley Viaduct in major Hs2 development

By Danny BallPublished On: May 1st, 2026Categories: Top Stories

Contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI will shut the Saltley Viaduct, which carries the B4114, from 10 May 2026 ahead of a four-stage demolition and rebuild scheme.

The project will see the existing 183-metre structure replaced with a new, larger bridge to accommodate the high-speed rail line beneath.

Complex demolition programme across rail, canal and river

The works will take place over up to 18 months and are being delivered in phases due to the viaduct’s location over multiple assets, including the Birmingham to Derby railway line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, and the River Rea.

A significant utilities diversion programme beneath the structure has already been completed, with engineers now entering the final planning stages before demolition begins.

Dan Binns, Senior Project Manager at 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.”

Transport disruption and diversion routes in place

The closure forms part of wider infrastructure works linked to HS2 in the Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells areas. The recently completed Aston Church Road overbridge will act as a key diversion route during construction.

Project partners, including HS2 Ltd, Birmingham City Council and Transport for the West Midlands, have coordinated diversion plans for road users, pedestrians and public transport.

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.”

New bridge designed for HS2 and active travel

The replacement structure will be two metres higher and approximately 4.5 metres wider than the existing viaduct, enabling HS2 trains to pass beneath while improving capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.

Construction of the new bridge will use a combination of methods, including off-site fabrication and installation using a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT) for the span over the railway. Other sections will be lifted into place using cranes.

The scheme also includes upgraded design features such as wider walkways and integrated LED lighting, reflecting broader improvements seen across HS2-related bridge infrastructure in the area.

The Saltley Viaduct project forms part of a wider programme of enabling works to prepare the route for high-speed rail, with a focus on maintaining connectivity while delivering major structural upgrades across the West Midlands.