M42 weekend closure warning ahead of HS2 works – full diversion route

Part of the M42 will be completely closed this weekend ahead of HS2 works, and motorists have been urged to check their journeys and allow for extra time to follow a diverted route. National Highways is advising drivers to plan their journeys as the M42 in Warwickshire will be closed.

Work is taking place on a bridge that was installed earlier this year to carry the HS2 line over the M42 motorway. A full diversion route will be in place during the closure, mainly on A-roads.

National Highways say the closure is essential to get the work done safely and to protect motorists and construction workers. The closure will run from Friday July 7 until Monday July 10.

The closure runs from Friday to Monday from 9pm to 5am. The section set to close is junction 9 (Dunton Interchange) and junction 10 (Tamworth Interchange) - the Warwickshire leg of the carriageway.

This weekend's closure follows on from early 2023, when HS2 installed the Marston Box bridge across the M42 motorway. This is the bridge that will carry the HS2 line over the M42 motorway between junction 9 (Dunton Interchange) and junction 10 (Tamworth Interchange).

Highways bosses say this weekend's work will allow HS2 to assess and install parapets on the bridge while also carrying out surveys of the bridge and drainage system. Work will also be taking place to install safety barriers on the bridge.

A full diversion route will be in place during the closure:

The northbound diversion between J9 and J10 will be along the A446, A38 and A5 roads.
The southbound diversion between J10 and J9 will be along the A5, A38 and A446 roads.

Lorry drivers are being advised to follow the official diversion signs as a low bridge at Piccadilly is unsuitable for HGVs.

References

^{^} Closing signs spotted in Trespass Solihull Mell Square store (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
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