Topics in this update:

• Midland Metro extension
• Paradise Circus re-development
• Holloway Circus works
• A38 cycle route update
• HS2 preparatory works
• New Street Station works
• Road Safety Week (20-26 November)
• Birmingham business survey: improving air quality
• Bus stop suspension trial
• Smart Routing App
• Re-surfacing works
• Events with traffic restrictions

Midland Metro extension

Work continues on the extension of the Midland Metro from New Street Station towards Edgbaston. This involves changes for traffic on Hill Street, Brunel Street and Paradise Street. Click for further information.

To enable tram extension works on Broad Street, inbound buses are diverted via Bridge Street and Holliday Street. Outbound buses will follow their usual route.

Bus route 126 will no longer serve the markets area of the city and will instead terminate at Colmore Row.  Click for more information about changes to this route.

A pedestrian diversion is in operation following the closure of the ramp from Fletchers Walk to Broad Street. Access is maintained via the stairs or the lift from Easy Row. An alternative accessible route to Broad Street can be taken via Holliday Street and Bridge Street. Click for further information and a map.

Paradise Circus re-development

Following completion of the stone paving work, Chamberlain Square pedestrian route is due to re-open on 20 October. The main entrance to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will again be accessible via Victoria Square – just in time for some spooky half term activities!

Paving work is also progressing on the Centenary Way pedestrian route, which will link Chamberlain Square and Centenary Square. This walkway is scheduled to open in November at which point Fletcher’s Walk will close.  Click for further information about the Paradise re-development.

Holloway Circus works

One lane is closed on the Holloway Head approach to the Holloway Circus junction between 9.30am and 3.30pm on weekdays and some weekday evenings between 7pm and 10pm. This lane closure is expected to be in operation 24/7 for a four week period starting in November (dates to be confirmed).  We recommend travellers use public transport, walk or cycle whenever possible to minimise delays. Click for more information and a map.

Bus services 80, 80A, 98 and X64 are temporarily diverted on their journey towards Birmingham. Click for more information.

A38 cycle route update

The death of Suzanna Bull is a tragedy and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time. We would urge any witnesses to contact the police with information to assist in their investigation.  Through our Birmingham Cycle Revolution, we are committed to making Birmingham a more cycle-friendly city and, as part of this, we will be building a two-way, fully segregated cycle way along the adjacent A38 from Selly Oak to the city centre.   Work to build the route was due to start this summer, but a legal challenge on whether we had followed the right processes when approving the legal orders needed before work could begin means we now hope to start work on the route in January 2018 and expect to finish by late summer 2018. As part of this scheme, new pedestrian crossings will be installed on all arms of the Bristol Road and Priory Road junction. At the time of this tragic incident, a feasibility study was already under way to assess how the junction of Pershore Road and Edgbaston Road can be made more accessible to all road users and pedestrians. This work is currently ongoing.  In the meantime, the council has also been working with partners on a wide range of activities designed to educate all road users on the importance of road safety.  Click for further information about the A38 cycle route.

HS2 preparatory works

To find out more about HS2 construction in the Washwood Heath area of the city, a drop in event is being held on Thursday 19 October from 4pm to 7pm. HS2 Ltd and their contractor (LM) will be sharing all the latest details about plans for traffic management, noise insulation, the depot, demolitions and more. The event will be at Leigh Primary School, Warren Road, B8 2YH.  HS2 Ltd is keen to work with those living or working along the route and their community engagement strategy can be viewed here.

New Street Station works

Improvement works to upgrade signals leading to smoother and more reliable services will take place between 21:30 on Saturday 23 December 2017 and 04:00 on Wednesday 3 January 2018. During this time a reduced service will run with replacement buses on some routes. Please plan ahead for travel and note that this may affect your journey if you are returning to work on Tuesday 2 January. More information about these works will be provided in our next update.

Road Safety Week (20-26 November)

Road Safety Week is the perfect opportunity to train staff and share information to help raise awareness of life-saving road safety messages. The theme this year is ‘Speed Down, Save Lives’ – find out how to get involved on the Brake website or click here for more information about the ‘Slower is Safer’ scheme in Birmingham.

Birmingham business survey: improving air quality

The deadline for responses to this survey has been extended until 31 October 2017. By sharing your views you will help develop an understanding of how Clean Air Zones could affect businesses in the city and the additional support which might be required. Click for more information and to complete the survey.

A toolkit is available to help businesses consider their delivery and service activities and how changes can be made to improve efficiency, reduce costs as well as reducing emissions. Click to download the Delivery & Service Planning toolkit.

Bus stop suspension trial

Transport for West Midlands are seeking feedback on the trial closure of bus stops on routes 8A, 8C, 45, 47, 50, 63 which began on 1 October. For more information and to share your views click here.

Smart Routing App

If you have an Apple iOS device and are a public transport user, you may be interested in taking part in a project to explore how Smartphones can act as a means of sharing transport data. If so click here or email digital@birmingham.gov.uk for more information.

Re-surfacing works

Amey will be carrying out re-surfacing works on the following routes. Please plan your journey accordingly. Diversions will be in place.

–          Five Ways underpass into city 16-25 October, 8pm-7.30am

–          A452 Chester Road (from Kingsbury Road island to Tyburn Road island) ALL DAY 20-30 October

–          Lancaster Circus Queensway roundabout, 22 October-2 November, 8pm-7.30am

Events with traffic restrictions

12 November 2017 – Remembrance Sunday city wide events

Information about journey planning and tickets can be found at www.networkwestmidlands.com . Walking or cycling can often be the easiest and cheapest travel option. Many popular destinations in Birmingham are accessible via off road routes such as the canal network. Click for more information about walking or cycling in Birmingham.

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

With kind regards,

On behalf of 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