A34 Birchfield Road in Perry Barr gridlocked in rush hour after collision

A major road through Birmingham[1] was brought to a standstill after a police incident on the southbound carriageway. The A34 Birchfield Road underpass in Perry Barr[2] was closed in both directions at around 3.30pm, with a closure to the overpass section after an incident in the road.

The incident was on the section of the road between the A453 Aldridge Road to the north and Canterbury Road to the south near to the One Stop Shopping Centre. A number of police and ambulance vehicles were reported to have attended the scene.

Traffic was diverted onto Aston Lane, causing huge tailbacks in both directions during the rush hour. Motorists reported being stuck in the traffic jam for ‘more than an hour’. The road closure led to traffic building up in the surrounding areas.

An eyewitness who works at an office near the scene said he heard a 'loud bang' and believes a car was in collision with a pedestrian. He said: "I heard the bang just before 3pm. A pedestrian was crossing the road and was in collision with a car.

He added: "A lot of bystanders did help out. The police arrived first in big numbers and blocked all the roads off. Then the ambulance service arrived. It was quite horrific."

West Midlands Roads, Transport for West Midlands road updates service said: “There is major disruption after the A34 Birchfield underpass in Birmingham closed in both directions after a road traffic collision. There was an additional closure to the overpass section.

“The underpass remained closed in both directions at 6.11pm, with the northbound carriageway reopening at 6.24pm and the southbound carriageway reopening at 6.33pm.”

National Express West Midlands confirmed its services were diverted after a 'serious collision; which blocked Birchfield Road in Perry Barr. it said: "Congestion on all approaches buses towards Birmingham diverted via Aston Lane and Witton Road. Apologies for any disruption to your journey."

An update shortly after 6.30pm confirmed the road had reopened and it said: "Our teams are working hard to restore timetables as quickly as possible. Please bear with us Apologies again for any disruption to your journey."

West Midlands Fire Service[5] confirmed it was informed of the incident but was not required to attend. West Midlands Police[6] has been approached for a statement.

References

  1. ^ Birmingham (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  2. ^ Perry Barr (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  3. ^ Drive-by shooting appeal in Birmingham after shots fired near shop (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  4. ^ Hunt to find drug dealing suspect with links to city who missed court date (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  5. ^ West Midlands Fire Service (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  6. ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)

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