Birmingham's key Cross City Line is set to partially close for three days later this week as HS2 engineers install a 150-metre-long viaduct deck near the new Curzon Street station.
The northern half of the rail link, from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley, will be closed from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31. Normal services are scheduled to resume on Monday, June 1.
Service Disruptions and Alternatives
Train services will operate as usual on the southern section between New Street and Redditch or Bromsgrove. However, services between Birmingham New Street and Tame Bridge Parkway will also be affected.
Rail replacement buses will run between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley, as well as between New Street and Tame Bridge Parkway. Services to Rugeley Trent Valley will be diverted, resulting in longer journey times.
HS2 Milestone
During the closure, HS2 engineers will install a 150-metre-long viaduct deck over the existing railway near the new Curzon Street station. This work represents a significant milestone in the delivery of the HS2 project.
Patrick Cawley, director for On Network Works at Network Rail and HS2, said: “We’re reminding passengers to plan ahead for a three-day closure on the Cross City line between Birmingham and Lichfield to enable the safe installation of a new HS2 viaduct over the existing railway. This is a significant milestone in the delivery of HS2 at Curzon Street, and while there will be some disruption, we’ve worked closely with partners to keep people moving and minimise the impact as much as possible.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for West Midlands Railway, added: “We want to thank passengers for their patience while this major piece of engineering work is carried out and the northern section of the Cross City Line is closed. Rail replacement buses will be running during the closure, and passengers are encouraged to check their travel before setting out.”
