Aston Expressway: Birmingham’s Key Route Faces Continued Challenges in 2026
Introduction: A Critical Artery Under Pressure
The Aston Expressway, officially known as the A38(M), remains one of Birmingham’s most vital transport links, connecting the M6 motorway to the city centre. Carrying more than 90,000 vehicles a day, this crucial route has faced significant disruption in early 2026, highlighting both its importance to the region and the ongoing challenges of maintaining aging infrastructure.
Recent Technical Failures Cause Major Disruption
On 19 January 2026, the route was closed in both directions from around 11.30am due to overhead gantry problems. The closure sparked traffic chaos with heavy congestion on surrounding roads, most notably on the parallel Lichfield Road, where traffic was diverted. This incident followed a similar closure on 4 January, when the Aston Expressway shut in both directions between Park Circus and Dartmouth Circus on Saturday evening due to a technical issue on some of the electronic signs.
Major Maintenance Project Underway
The recent technical issues occur against the backdrop of a major infrastructure project. Birmingham City Council awarded the contract for the strengthening and refurbishment of the A38(M) Tame Valley Viaduct to VolkerFitzpatrick in spring 2022. Built in the early 1970s, the 620m long composite viaduct forms the northern end of the A38(M) Aston Expressway near Junction 6 of the M6 ‘Spaghetti Junction’. The works are due to be completed in December 2026.
Significance for Birmingham and the West Midlands
The ongoing challenges facing the Aston Expressway underscore the critical balance between maintaining essential infrastructure and minimising disruption to thousands of daily commuters. As Birmingham grapples with aging road networks designed for far fewer vehicles than they currently carry, the completion of the viaduct strengthening project later this year will be crucial for ensuring the route’s long-term viability and safety for the region’s motorists.