birmingham city centre travel news

A38 tunnels live as car overturns and blocks roads into Birmingham causing gridlock across city

Traffic is crawling out of the city centre this evening, October 24, after reports of a car overturning inside the A38 tunnels

• Updated 20:58, 24 OCT 2023

Access in and out of Birmingham city centre has ground to a halt this evening, October 24, after a car overturned inside the A38 tunnels. Motorists are reporting that it is taking 40 minutes to travel a mile as traffic backs up and major delays are caused by the incident.

A car has flipped near St Chad's Queensway, in the tunnel close to St Chad's church. Live traffic systems are reporting major delays this evening as well as building congestion in and around the city centre. There are delays to National Express buses across the city too as teams work to maintain timetables.

Colmore BID wrote: "We are aware that a car has overturned in the tunnels near the St Chad's Lights on the A38. There are likely to be delays whilst the situation is resolved." Pictures from the scene sent to BirminghamLive show long queues on the carriageway and blocked access.

West Midlands Police has urged drivers to avoid the area as they attend the scene and have issued a statement on the collision, which you can read here. A West Midlands Ambulance spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a two-car RTC near to the junction of Livery Street and Great Charles Street Queensway, one ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman. She was assessed and discharged at the scene."

This is a developing news story. Follow our live blog below for latest updates.

Get the very latest from the city with our Birmingham News Email Updates

• Lanes open on A38 but heavy traffic remains 18:57
• West Midlands Ambulance statement in 18:07
• Police update - avoid the area 18:00

End of updates and further reading

Thank you for staying with us this evening. Traffic has now eased on the A38 and access into Birmingham city centre should be easier, but there are residual delays.

Catch up on what happened here:

• Birmingham gridlock chaos in pictures as city turns into car park after rush-hour incident

'Avoid the area' warning issued for Birmingham city centre after A38 tunnels blocked

Delays have eased

Google live traffic data has gone from furiously red to orange, showing residual delays in the area. Traffic has eased considerably since the total gridlock that ensued earlier this evening. You can read about what happened, here.

Delayed kick off Albion V QPR

Our West Bromwich Albion reporter Joe Chapman says tonight's Albion v QPR game had a delayed kick off of 8:10pm after QPR arrived to the ground late. Joe tweeted: "Led to believe were QPR caught in traffic in Birmingham city centre, after staying there last night."

Gridlock in pictures

Look through our photo story below to see this evening's traffic chaos in pictures.

Lanes open on A38 but heavy traffic remains

Traffic systems state that all lanes are now open on the A38 but heavy traffic remains.

Furious driver gets in touch with BirminghamLive

One furious motorist who had been stuck in the chaos for more than an hour told BirminghamLive that the situation has been made worse by "selfish" drivers on Belgrave Middleway nudging through red lights in "desperate bid to be free of gridlock." She explained this meant that drivers on Bristol Road and drivers from town can't get through, and by the time the first few people from Belgrave Middleway get through it's too late.

Providing a live update from the road she added that while traffic has eased up slightly, other key routes out of the city centre like Pershore Road still have heavy delays.

Injury update

There were no serious injuries after a car overturned close to the A38 tunnel this evening. A West Midlands Ambulance spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a two-car RTC near to the junction of Livery Street and Great Charles Street Queensway, one ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman. She was assessed and discharged at the scene."

Video from the A38

This bird's eye view taken by our photographer shows the scale of gridlock in Birmingham city centre this evening.

Traffic snarled up near key city points including New Street and 02

Parts of the city centre have turned into a car park following this evening's earlier collision in the A38. Heavy traffic remains near key city points such as New Street station, the O2 Academy and the Mailbox.

Latest update from live traffic systems

Live traffic system Inrix is reporting that the A38 remains blocked in both directions to assist with further disruption.

The update states: "The road is now blocked in both directions to assist with an accident that happened on the Northbound side."

Delays to buses - teams working to maintain timetables

National Express said they are working to maintain timetables as congestion spreads across the city. A spokesperson said: "We are seeing an increase in congestion across parts our network this evening. A number of bus services are seeing delays and our teams are working to maintain timetables.

"Please allow extra time for your journey We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

West Midlands Ambulance statement in

West Midlands Ambulance have confirmed the nature of the collision this evening. A spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a two-car RTC near to the junction of Livery Street and Great Charles Street Queensway, one ambulance and a paramedic officer attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman. She was assessed and discharged at the scene."

Police update - avoid the area

West Midlands Police have issued an update to say avoid the area. Read that full update here.

"40 minutes to travel a mile"

One motorist told BirminghamLive it took her 40 minutes to go from the Jewellery Quarter to Aston Expressway.

Try and find an alternative route if you're not already stuck in the queues

Delays are expected for some time this evening on the A38, so if you can avoid using the route then try and do so. A car has overturned close to the underpass on Great Charles Street Queensway, and emergency crews are at the scene. The A38 remains blocked while they are in attendance.

Congestion is backed up to Sir Harrys Road for traffic heading away from Edgbaston. Southbound is back to Dartmouth Circus for traffic heading away from the A38(M) Aston Expressway.

Gridlock at height of rush hour

Pictures shared by one motorist show growing congestion at the height of rush hour this evening in Birmingham city centre. The A38 still remains blocked as emergency crews attend the scene after a car overturned near St Chad's Queensway, in the tunnel close to St Chad's church.

Live systems showing huge delays - avoid the A38 if you can

If you are planning to get into Birmingham city centre this evening, you may want to reconsider your mode of transport as access via the A38 is completely blocked. Even if you don't plan to use the tunnels, there is spreading congestion across the city, as you can see from the furiously red live map below.

'Blocked and long delays'

Live traffic system INRIX says: "A38 Queensway in both directions blocked long delays, queueing traffic due to overturned car at St Chads Tunnel. Congestion to Sir Harrys Road for traffic heading away from Edgbaston. Southbound is back to Dartmouth Circus for traffic heading away from the A38(M) Aston Expressway.

"Travel time is 30 minutes. The road is now blocked in both directions to assist with an accident that happened on the Northbound side."

A38 blocked

Good evening and welcome to our live updates as congestion builds in and around Birmingham city centre after a car overturned in the A38. The A38 is blocked this evening and motorists are reporting delays of more than 40 minutes.

• West Midlands Police
• West Midlands Ambulance Service
• Birmingham City Centre
• Midlands traffic and travel
• Most Recent

West Midlands Metro: Birmingham tram extension finally up and running

• West Midlands
• Sunday 17 July 2022 at 6:15pm

ITV News Central's Andy Bevan reports on the opening of West Midlands Metro's new Westside extension

West Midlands Metro's new Westside extension has gone into service, opening just in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

At 7.48am on Sunday (17 July), the first passenger-carrying tram arrived on Broad Street after years of construction and months of delays.

The Westside Metro extension takes the line along Broad Street to Hagley Road, adding three stops along the way at Brindleyplace, Five Ways and the end of the line at Edgbaston village.

Trams will also be calling at all stops in Birmingham city centre including Grand Central, restoring the convenient link to regional and national rail services, and Library.

The West Midlands Metro has had problems for several years, including the recent withdrawal of the entire fleet of trams for several months after cracks appeared in the body work.

Repairs, paid for by their Spanish manufacturer, are now complete enough for a full service to resume.

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “After an unfortunately interrupted customer experience this year for Metro passengers, I’m so pleased for local residents and businesses that we’ve now reached a turning point and a comprehensive service is returning. “Not only are tram services to Library being restored this weekend but we are also unveiling three more stops on and beyond Broad Street – which along with Brindleyplace sits at the very heart of one of our region’s most vibrant business and hospitality districts attracting locals and visitors alike. "This news could not have come at a better time as our hotels and venues prepare to offer a warm Brummie welcome to the thousands of people coming to town for the Commonwealth Games this summer."

Work is also underway for the Eastside extension from Birmingham city centre to the socially vibrant area of Digbeth.

Capital Birmingham

Rio Fredrika 10am - 1pm

Now Playing

Beautiful Things Benson Boone Download 'Beautiful Things' on iTunes

News, Weather & Travel

Latest from capital, house of the dragon's aemond and aegon battle scene is completely different in the books.

TV & Film

House of The Dragon's Eve Best Hints That Rhaenys Could Return To The Show

Love island summer 2024 soundtrack: what songs were on love island tonight.

Love Island

World Exclusive: Paul Mescal On Training For Gladiator II

House of the dragon cast confirm they played rhaenyra and alicent as queer, gypsy rose blanchard slams people visiting the house where her mother was murdered, who is love island's jessica spencer meet the islander coupled with ayo odukoya, margot robbie’s due date and baby details so far, why did uma jammeh leave love island.

• ALL MOTORWAYS
• Southampton
• West Midlands
• East Anglia
• Central Scotland
• ALL REGIONS
• LISTEN LIVE

Traffic Birmingham

•   Birmingham
• Nearby: Birmingham Edgbaston Bournville Smethwick West Bromwich Castle Bromwich

Current traffic around Birmingham

The following traffic incidents and congestion for Birmingham have been reported by Highways England, Traffic Scotland, Traffic Wales or Transport for London (TfL) in the last two hours:

Traffic in Nearby Villages

• Lee Bank (0.45mi)
• Digbeth (0.48mi)
• Newtown (0.94mi)
• Ladywood (0.98mi)
• Netchells Green (0.99mi)
• Vauxhall (0.99mi)
• Bordesley (1.01mi)
• Highgate (1.02mi)
• Gib Heath (1.28mi)
• Lozells (1.54mi)
• Rotton Park (1.56mi)
• Saltley (1.59mi)
• Balsall Heath (1.62mi)
• Winson Green (1.77mi)
• Aston (1.79mi)
• Chad Valley (1.81mi)
• Vale, The (1.83mi)
• Edgbaston (1.83mi)
• Sparkbrook (1.85mi)
• Birchfield (2.16mi)
• Summerfield Park (2.17mi)
• Nechells (2.18mi)
• Little Bromwich (2.21mi)
• Bordesley Green (2.21mi)

Let's Get Social

Get in touch with us or stay up to date with our latest news and updates.

Live Email Traffic Alerts

Get live email alerts whenever there is a traffic incident or roadworks on the on the roads you travel that may cause congestion or jams.

LEGAL NOTICE

Please remember that it is against the law to use your mobile phone, tablet or any electronic device without a hands-free kit whilst driving.If you're caught by the police using any device that can send or receive data whilst driving or riding a motorcyle you'll get an automatic fixed penalty notice, 6 points on your licence and a fine of £200.A court could also disqualify you from driving.

Elsewhere on the web:

Official source of traffic updates.

Transport for London's (TfL) portal for transportation in London.

The Welsh government's traffic information service for Wales.

Live traffic conditions and news for Scotland's road network.

Advertise to millions of motorists, holidaymakers and commuters.

Except where otherwise noted, content and photographs on this site are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License . Owned, operated and copyright CliqTo Ltd 2024 and Chris Haycock . Registered company number 7575287. Page (BIRMINGHAM) cached at 09/07/2024 16:24:17

Radio Jingle by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay D&B Business Listing

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Digbeth Nightlife Graffiti Art Map

We have maps to download here, and maps throughout the city, even on the side of buildings!

Birmingham Maps, Brochures and Guides

Download handy maps in this section so you can navigate around the city centre with ease.

Tourist Maps

Birmingham city centre map.

A handy double-sided map of Birmingham City Centre, featuring a selection of the best attractions, entertainment, shopping and transport options. On the reverse is a map to help explore the region beyond the city centre.

Birmingham City Centre Waterways Map

A map of Birmingham's canal network, including locations revitalised with canal-side bars, restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops.

Travel Maps

West midlands railway network map, london northwestern railway network map.

Visit Birmingham and West Midlands' Travel Trade Guide  - a great resource for travel trade and visitors alike.

Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham - Official Visitor Guide

Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham - Heritage Guide

Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Ale Trail Guide

Walk Run Cycle Birmingham  - A free-to-download app of self-guided walking, running and cycling routes to show you the best of Birmingham. Download from their website or search for Walk Run Cycle Birmingham on your app store.

Searching for something?

Ratings Powered By

Birmingham has a new 'bear hunt' trail as people say they 'can't wait'

W e have a new trail this summer in Birmingham and it looks 'bear-illiant'. Anyone who loves the children's classic 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' will love the new sculptures to discover across the city centre .

Ten beautifully painted bears have been installed in key locations and each one is inspired by the award-winning animation of the children's book by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. You can download or pick up a map to find them all and tick them off as you go. What's more, it's on throughout the whole of the summer holidays .

Look out for bears in Piccadilly Arcade, Mailbox, Great Western Arcade , Corporation Street, Bullring , Mailbox and more city centre spots. Families can take photos around the trail, which is free. Donations are encouraged in support of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.

Read more: Birmingham mum shares how she goes to London for £9 and gets 241 attraction tickets

Competition: Win family tickets to London Zoo with free LNR train travel from Birmingham

Organised by Central BID, you probably remember their previous trails with art producer Wild in Art, which included Snowdogs Discover Birmingham, Brum’s Penguin Parade and Walking with the Snowman, inspired by the timeless stories of Raymond Briggs.

They have teamed up with independent publisher of children’s books, Walker Books, to embark on this latest creative partnership for the summer of 2024, together with Wild in Art again. Decorated by artists, designers and illustrators, the giant bears on the trail celebrate the 'vibrancy, culture and creativity' of Birmingham, taking visitors and locals on a 'trail of discovery' around the city, highlighting iconic spots and hidden gems.

People have been sharing their joy at the new trail on social media. One mum posted: "Awesome another one for us to search for. Loved the Snowdog trail at Christmas ." Another added: "Can't wait to see them."

"We know how popular our seasonal sculpture trails are with families from across the Midlands visiting the city centre for a selfie while shopping," said Sam Watson, Chair, Central BID Birmingham. "We’re so excited to unveil the children’s classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt this summer and to see more smiling faces across the city centre."

Central BID has released a special trail map for families to follow and find all 10 bears at the different locations. Click here to download a map , or pick up copies at each of the bear sculptures and at the Bullring Visitor Services desk.

Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder of Wild in Art, said: "We’re delighted to be working with Central BID and Walker Books to bring the much-loved We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to life through a 3D canvas.

“The partnership is a great endorsement of the cultural benefits of our events, which bring fun, free, art galleries to communities and unique opportunities for artists and brands to reach new audiences."