Drivers warned of disruption for HS2 work

Foundation work has begun on a bridge that will carry HS2 trains under the A38 near Lichfield

Drivers in the West Midlands have been warned of upcoming disruption as work continues on the HS2 rail line.

The M42 is set to close over three weekends between junctions six for Solihull and 7/7A for Coleshill, Warwickshire, while work is carried out before the installation of a structure to carry the high-speed line over the motorway.

Foundation work has also begun on a new bridge that will take the line under the A38 at Streethay near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

HS2 and National Highways said they were working together to ensure the impact on motorists in the area was minimised.

National Highways said the M42 closures were needed to carry out preparation work and to “create a safe working area” in the central reservation.

The box structure, near Birmingham Business Park and the NEC, would then be constructed over the motorway with a 50mph speed limit in place.

The Friday-to-Monday closures are scheduled to take place:

• From 21:00 GMT on 1 November to 05:00 on 4 November

• From 21:00 on 6 December to 05:00 on 9 December

• From 21:00 on 13 December to 05:00 on 16 December

“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,” a National Highways spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the creation of the new bridge at Streethay has seen the construction of a temporary stretch of the A38 while work is carried out.

HS2 Ltd said there would be a series of “phased traffic management measures” during the process, though specifics have not been confirmed.

The bridge deck is set to be installed by late 2025, the company added.

David Perry, senior project manager, said: “Carrying out a complex engineering operation of this scale in close proximity to a live carriageway comes with a unique set of challenges, requiring a multi-stage and collaborative approach from everyone involved.”