Transport Operations during the Commonwealth Games 2022

July 2022

As you know the upcoming Commonwealth Games is taking place between Thursday 28^th July to Monday 8^th August 2022, which I am sure you will agree is great for the region of Birmingham.

However operating in the transport sector as we do during this period will provide Logistical challenges affecting our local collections and deliveries within many areas of Birmingham.

What do we know?

The Main days that will affect our depot and transport operations are Tuesday 26^th July, Thursday 28^th July & Monday 8^th August.

The A34 main thoroughfare from Birmingham City Centre to Alexander Stadium will be closed on these days from 3pm if not earlier.

Additional Road Closures in Perry Barr for Ceremonies

On Thursday 28 July 2022, Alexander Stadium will kick-off the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with a spectacular world class Opening Ceremony.

In preparation of this and the Closing Ceremony which concludes the Games on Monday 8th August, there will be two dress rehearsals on Sunday 24th and Tuesday 26th July.

You will already be aware of the plans that are being put in place to protect access for residents and businesses during the Games. These plans can be accessed online at Alexander Stadium (birmingham2022.com).

The ceremonies will see more than 40,000 people travelling to Perry Barr across all four sessions. To ensure this runs as smoothly as possible, there will be some additional traffic management measures in Perry Barr including the closure of the A34 southbound from the Scott Arms to Perry Barr Station.

Download Diversions (PDF)

When is this happening?

Traffic management and parking measures come into place in Perry Barr from Friday 22 July to Wednesday 10 August.

Additional measures will be in place from 1500 – 0030 on Sunday 24 July, Tuesday 26 July, Thursday 28 July and Monday 8 August.

What does this mean for you?

On the four days of rehearsals and ceremonies only, the additional measures are:

• A34 southbound will be restricted to local access, Games traffic and local buses only from the Scott Arms to Perry Barr Station
• Aldridge Road will be restricted to only allow access to residents of the road, businesses, Games traffic and local buses only in both directions
• There will be no right turn from Walsall Road onto Aldridge Road, except for residents of the road, businesses, Games traffic and local buses
• Vehicles will only be able to turn left turn out of Rocky Lane onto the A34
• There will be no access into Perry Avenue from the A34 southbound or access out of Perry Avenue A34 southbound
• Additional Vehicle Check Points will be in place on the A34 and Aldridge Road

Please see the downloadable map ‘Alexander Stadium – Ceremonies’

Download Ceremonies (PDF)

Advice for freight transport and delivery organisations:

With the road closures and thousands of people travelling to Alexander Stadium, the area will be exceptionally busy. Follow these top tips:

• Where possible do not travel within or through the area on the four ceremonies days (Sunday 24 July, Tuesday 26 July, Thursday 28 July and Monday 8 August).
• If you do need to travel within or through the area, please do so before 1500.
• If travelling into Birmingham City Centre from the M6, please exit at Junction 6 and use the A38.
• If travelling into Birmingham City Centre from the M5, please exit at Junction 3 and use the Hagley Road.
• Please allow extra time for your journey, follow VMS and signage and instructions from marshals.

For further details, see Alexander Stadium (birmingham2022.com).

Deliveries in Birmingham City Centre:

Please see attached letter outlining delivery restrictions in Birmingham City Centre. Deliveries will only be possible between midnight and 7am from Wednesday 27 July to Monday 8 August on the following roads Rear of Council House, Lower Colmore Row, Waterloo Street, Bennetts Hill, Temple Street, Lower Cannon Street, Ethel Street, Lower Temple Street, New Street and High Street.

Download Deliveries (PDF)

Abnormal Loads

Please see attached letter from Central Motorway Police Group requesting you to not to move abnormal loads around the West Midlands during the Games. Please note there is a slight error in this letter on the dates of the Games. The Games start on Thursday 28^th July and close on Monday 8^th August.

Download Abnormal Loads (PDF)

In summary we expect there be to delays but rest assured we will do our best  to meet all our collection and delivery requirements to usual expected schedules.