A key route through Birmingham city centre will be completely shut down this weekend to facilitate a major crane operation, forcing significant changes to bus services.
Weekend Road Closure Details
Snow Hill Queensway will be closed to all traffic between St Chads Queensway and Colmore Row. The closure is scheduled to begin at 7am on Saturday, 10 January 2026 and will remain in effect until 7pm on Sunday, 11 January 2026.
The shutdown is necessary to allow for a 'crane lift' to take place safely. Birmingham City Council and the contractors involved have confirmed the closure is essential for public safety while the work is carried out.
Extensive Bus Service Disruptions
National Express West Midlands has announced that a substantial number of its services will be diverted for the duration of the closure. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
The affected services are: 7, 9, 12, 13, 16, 52, 74, 101, 126, X8, and X10.
Detailed Diversion Routes
The operator has published specific diversion plans for different groups of services:
For Services 7 & 52 towards Birmingham: Buses will follow their normal route. Heading from Birmingham: Buses will divert from Colmore Row via Colmore Circus, Weaman Street, Whittall Street, St Chads Queensway, and Old Snow Hill to rejoin their standard route.
For Services 9, 12, 13, 101, 126, X8 & X10 towards Birmingham: Buses will divert from Great Charles Street Queensway, perform a u-turn at the Snow Hill junction, then use Great Charles Street Queensway, Livery Street, and Colmore Row to reach the terminus. Heading from Birmingham: Services will operate normally.
For Services 16 & 74 towards Birmingham: Buses will divert from Old Snow Hill via Great Charles Street Queensway, Livery Street, Colmore Row, and will use stand SQ8 on Colmore Circus Queensway before rejoining the normal line. Heading from Birmingham: Buses will divert from Priory Queensway via Weaman Street, Whittall Street, St Chads Queensway, and Old Snow Hill.
National Express West Midlands is urging all passengers to check for real-time updates before travelling. The temporary changes are expected to cause some delays, and bus stops directly on the closed section of Snow Hill Queensway will not be in use.
