Traffic bulletin: M42 to close for three weekends to enable HS2 works

The first weekend closure takes place next week and will see the M42 shut between junctions 6 (Solihull) and 7/7a (Coleshill Interchange).

The closures are part of the HS2 works to install a 'twin box' structure which will carry the high-speed railway line over the M42 near Birmingham Business Park and Birmingham NEC.

HS2, together with its construction partner in the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), need the road closures to carry out preparation work and create a safe working area in the central reservation of the motorway. The box structure can then be built in position over the motorway, with a 50mph speed limit in place.

The timings for the closures, between junctions 6 and 7a (northbound) and junction 7 and 6 (southbound) including the link arms from M6 south to M42 south and the M6 north to M42 south arm, are as follows:

From 9pm on Friday 1 November until 5am on Monday 4 November
From 9pm on Friday 6 December until 5am on Monday 9 December
From 9pm on Friday 13 December until 5am on Monday 16 December
Doug Barnett, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said:

"Before we start building the structure, it's important that we establish a safe environment for our workforce and road users. We also need to prepare the area for construction by removing pre-existing concrete foundations and installing ducting underground.

"While these temporary weekend closures are necessary at this stage, this does mean that we can then build the structure in place from the ground up - avoiding the need for any long-term closures of the motorway and keeping disruption to a minimum.

"We appreciate the patience of road users and are grateful for the ongoing support from National Highways as we carry out this important phase of work."

A National Highways spokesperson said:

"We are working closely with HS2 to ensure the impact on our roads and our road users is minimised as far as possible. But this is a complex engineering operation and we need to close the road to enable HS2 to carry out their work safely.

"This will inevitably cause some disruption and delays to journeys are expected so we are urging people to avoid the area if possible during the closures. If you aren't able to take an alternative route, please allow extra time for journeys, particularly if heading to Birmingham Airport or the NEC, and follow the signed diversion routes."

The diversion routes are:

Northbound traffic: Exit at junction 6, head east along the A45 to Stonebridge Island and take the first exit north on the A452/A446. Road users can join the M42 at junction 9

Southbound traffic: Via M6 - exit the M42 at junction 7a to take the M6 southbound. Exit the M6 at junction 3 and take the fourth exit back onto the M6 northbound. Then exit the M6 at junction 4 onto the A446/A45 to Stonebridge Island, joining the A45 Westbound and rejoining the M42 at junction 6.

Via A roads: Exit at junction 9, travel southbound on the A446 to M6 Junction 4, continuing southbound on the A446/A452 and joining the A45 at Stonebridge Island. Road users can rejoin the M42 at junction 6. This diversion offers the most direct route for visitors to the NEC, Birmingham Airport and Resorts World.

For live traffic updates follow the @HighwaysWMIDS feed on X (formerly Twitter). The National Highways 24/7 customer contact centre team can also provide up-to-the minute information on 0300 123 5000. 

Further information on the twin box structure can be found on the HS2 website, along with an advance works notice.

Anyone with queries can contact the HS2 Helpdesk on 08081 434 434 or [email protected], which is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Works are subject to a final review taking place and may be affected by severe weather or unforeseen circumstances.

Notes to Editors

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England's motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England's motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:

Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)

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