Full diversion route as long stretch of M42 to close for HS2 works …

Travellers have been urged to check their journeys and allow for extra time amid an HS2-led motorway closure. A diversion route will be in place when a number of junctions on the M42 in Warwickshire ^[1] close tonight (22) and into Sunday.

National Highways say the closure is needed so their teams can safely carry out work on overhead gantries. There have been a number of rolling closures on the M42 over the last few months related to HS2 works and the junction 6 improvement scheme.

Phase One of HS2 has several direct interactions with the strategic road network of motorways and major A roads in the West Midlands, which is why National Highways have had to enforce junction closures. This weekend's M42 closure will run from 9pm today to 6am on Sunday, July 23.

The closure will be in both directions of the M42, from junctions 9 to 6. National Highways say the closure is essential to get the work done safely and to protect motorists and construction workers.

The closure follows on from earlier this month and early 2023, when HS2 installed the Marston Box bridge across the M42, near Junction 9. On the programme of HS2 work, National Highways said: "Our roads network is vital to the running of the country and our customers and their safety remains our priority.

"While HS2 carry out these works we will make every effort to keep you updated and informed in advance of works to help you plan your journeys. We are committed to ensuring safety on our strategic road network and supporting a better-connected future. These works are being coordinated and carried out by HS2 Ltd."

HS2 works across Warwickshire have caused, and are continuing to cause, a lot of road closures (Image: Reach Plc)

A fully signed diversion route, agreed with the local authority, will be in place, National Highways have said. Motorists heading south should leave the M42 at junction 9 and follow the A446, A452 and A45 to rejoin the motorway. Motorists travelling north will naturally follow those roads in the opposite order.

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References

^{^} Warwickshire (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
^{^} Cost of revamping facilities at 'inadequate' primary school rises by more than £2m (www.coventrytelegraph.net)
^{^} daily newsletter. (data.reachplc.com)