United Kingdom: Traffic and rail disruptions in Birmingham May 16

Event

Significant traffic disruptions are reported in the city of Birmingham as of Tuesday, May 16, due to the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb. For security reasons, the A38 Aston Expressway has been closed in both directions between the A38 Aston Road/A4540 Newtown Middleway (Dartmouth Circus) and M6 J6/A5127 Gravelly Hill/Slade Road Spaghetti junctions. The road is expected to remain closed for most of Tuesday.

The London Midland Trains company has announced that no trains will run between Birmingham New Street station and Lichfield Trent Valley HL station. It is currently unknown when services will resume

Context

The bomb was found on Monday, May 15. The police cordoned off the area within 500 m (1640 ft) of the device and evacuated some 80 people living in the area.

Advice

Individuals in Birmingham are advised to monitor the situation and to plan for alternative routes.