Travelers heading to and from Birmingham Airport are facing significant delays due to emergency roadworks at the Bird Island roundabout. Severn Trent Water began urgent infrastructure repairs early this morning, prompting lane closures and traffic bottlenecks at one of the region’s busiest intersections.
Bird Island roundabout serves as a vital junction, linking Birmingham Airport, the A45 Coventry Road, and Car Park 5. With partial closures in place, motorists are experiencing extended congestion, particularly during peak travel hours. The disruption is expected to affect thousands of daily commuters, airport passengers, and service vehicles accessing the airport.
Emergency Repairs by Severn Trent Water
According to official statements from Severn Trent Water, the roadworks are necessary to conduct emergency repairs on essential water infrastructure beneath the Bird Island roundabout. The repairs began at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, 9 July, and involve lane closures in both directions near the roundabout.
While the company has not confirmed an exact completion date, initial estimates indicate that disruptions will continue for the remainder of July 2025. Severn Trent has committed to expediting repairs and providing real-time updates via local news outlets and Birmingham City Council’s transport portal.
“We understand the inconvenience caused by these essential works and are working as quickly and safely as possible to complete repairs while ensuring minimal disruption to commuters,” a Severn Trent spokesperson said.
Major Access Route Disrupted: A45 and Airport Entrances Affected
The Bird Island roundabout is not just a key traffic node for Birmingham Airport — it also connects to the A45, one of the Midlands’ primary arterial roads. With restricted lane capacity, drivers approaching the roundabout from multiple directions are encountering long queues and erratic traffic flow, especially those heading toward Car Park 5 and the airport terminals.
Commuters from Solihull, Coventry, and East Birmingham have reported delays of over 30 minutes during morning and evening rush hours. Given the strategic location of Bird Island, the knock-on effects are being felt throughout the wider Birmingham road network.
Travel Advice for Birmingham Airport Passengers
With summer holiday travel in full swing, Birmingham Airport is urging passengers to allow extra time for their journeys. Airport officials recommend arriving at least three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
To avoid missing flights, travelers are encouraged to:
- Monitor live traffic updates
- Use public transport options, including the West Midlands Railway to Birmingham International Station and National Express airport buses
- Consider ride-sharing or drop-offs away from congested areas to walk the final short distance if necessary
Birmingham Airport released a statement advising:
“Passengers should leave extra time for their journey and check real-time travel information before departing. We appreciate your patience as utility works are completed near our main entrance.”
Public Transport: A Smart Alternative
Given the unpredictability of road conditions, public transport has emerged as the most reliable option. Birmingham International Station is directly connected to the airport via the free Air-Rail Link, and travelers can reach the station in under 15 minutes from Birmingham New Street.
West Midlands Metro, regional buses, and local taxis also provide alternatives for those seeking to avoid the delays altogether. The Transport for West Midlands journey planner offers route-specific updates and transit schedules to help passengers plan accordingly.
No End Date Confirmed – Check Daily for Updates
While Severn Trent Water has not issued a definitive completion timeline, lane closures are expected to remain in place throughout July. The company has promised regular updates and aims to reduce inconvenience wherever possible. Travelers should expect intermittent lane restrictions and plan for delays until further notice.
Motorists are strongly advised to stay informed through:
- Local radio traffic bulletins
- Google Maps or Waze for real-time congestion tracking
Geo Tagging:
Location: Bird Island Roundabout, Birmingham Airport, West Midlands, United Kingdom
Nearby Locations Affected: Solihull, A45 Coventry Road, Birmingham International Station, Car Park 5
Final Note
As Birmingham braces for continued disruption near one of its busiest travel gateways, the message from authorities is clear: plan ahead, stay informed, and leave early. Whether you’re catching a flight or commuting across the Midlands, adapting your route could save you valuable time this July.
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