HS2 construction will close the Cross City Line between Birmingham and Lichfield from July 26 to August 3, causing service changes and requiring replacement buses for affected passengers. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The closure stops all trains between Lichfield and Birmingham on the northern section of the route. The work enables crews to position a 16.5-meter (55-foot) steel segment of the new viaduct linking HS2 tracks to Curzon Street.

HS2 Viaduct Work Shuts Birmingham-Lichfield Line
Photo: Network Rail

Network Rail confirmed that scheduling aims to limit inconvenience for as many travelers as possible. But officials noted closures remain disruptive, so bus services will operate between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley throughout this period.

Don’t miss…Amtrak Redefines Luxury Travel with Gourmet Dining and Premium Perks

“There is never a perfect time for such closures,” said Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s central route director. “But summer holidays lower passenger numbers, so this timing minimizes disruption.”

HS2 Viaduct to Transform Birmingham Skyline

The new HS2 viaduct will rise 24 meters high, making it the tallest structure along a one-mile stretch of elevated tracks guiding high-speed trains into Birmingham. Its curved design and light installation promise a striking addition to the city’s skyline.

This infrastructure project signals a major step toward modernizing the UK rail network. And while short-term challenges remain, HS2 advocates emphasize benefits such as faster travel, improved connectivity, and long-term economic growth.

HS2 Project Progress Brings Travel Advisories

Passengers should review timetables and allow extra time during the closure period. Network Rail urges travelers to consider alternative routes because replacement buses may experience congestion.

This phase highlights HS2’s ambitious vision for high-speed rail across Britain. And as work advances, Birmingham edges closer to becoming a central hub for a modern transport network, offering faster journeys and improved regional links.

Source: www.bbc.com

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Union Pacific Expands Intermodal Network with New Service Routes

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit