Police issue A45 Small Heath Highway ‘avoid’ plea as crane crash closes key route

A key commuter route was closed tonight after a crane crashed into a bridge. The A45 Small Heath^[1] Highway was shut in both directions after the vehicle struck the bridge between Bordesley Middleway (Bordesley Circus) and Golden Hillock Road (Poets Corner) on Wednesday afternoon, August 21.

No-one was injured and emergency workers were at the scene making the busy dual carriageway safe. Traffic was being fed onto smaller side roads, causing extensive congestion and delays.

There was no word on when the stretch would reopen.

West Midlands Police^[3] said: "We are currently supporting other agencies as the A45 Small Heath Highway is closed off this evening after a crane struck a bridge. No-one has reported any injuries but the road is shut in both directions between Bordesley Circus and Poets Corner.

"It is likely to remain closed for a number of hours and drivers are advised to avoid the area and find an alternative route."

Several bus diversions were in place. National Express West Midlands services 4, 4A, 5, 6, X1 and X2 were on diversion.

References

1. ^{^} Small Heath (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^{^}