The original Saltley Viaduct, which spanned a 183‑metre section of the B4114, closed to vehicles and pedestrians in May 2026.  It was then demolished so that a new, taller structure could be built in its place, allowing high speed trains to safely pass below.

The replacement viaduct is being built and installed by Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV). The construction programme is being delivered in phases to reflect the complexity of crossing the Birmingham to Derby rail lines, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, the River Rea and ultimately the future HS2 railway line.

The first 55-metre-long steel section was assembled on land adjacent to where the original viaduct once stood. It was then driven into place over the Birmingham to Derby railway lines during the Bank Holiday weekend – a distance of around 125 metres – using self-propelled-modular- transporters (SPMTs).

This first phase of work was delivered in conjunction with Network Rail, during a temporary closure of the railway, which re-opened to passengers as planned yesterday morning.

With phase one of four complete, engineers are now assembling the second 35-metre-long span, which will cross over the new HS2 railway line. This span will be lowered into place by crane next month.

Spans three and four, which cross the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, will be installed later this year.  Engineers will then complete the tie in from the perimeter of the railway line to the abutment upon which the structure rests. A new bridge over the River Rea will also be constructed and will form part of the overall realigned B4114.

Dan Binns, Senior Project Manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “The new Saltley Viaduct is the latest HS2 structure to emerge in this area of Birmingham, after BBV engineers safely manoeuvred the first 55-metre span over an existing rail line.

“We chose the same technique used on the neighbouring Aston Church Road bridge two years ago, where the span was assembled next to the railway, before being driven into place on wheels to minimise the impact on rail passengers as much as possible.”

The new viaduct is expected to open to motorists and pedestrians in November 2027.