New HS2 highways projects revealed

Phase one of HS2, between Birmingham and London, is due to open by 2033

Major new highways projects between Solihull and Coventry have been revealed as HS2 continues to take shape.

New bridges, a new roundabout and a dual carriageway are among the latest plans announced for the building of the high-speed rail link connecting to an interchange station near Birmingham Airport.

While the northern leg of the line was scrapped, phase one between London and Birmingham is expected to open between 2029 and 2033.

The highways projects are set to be discussed by Solihull Council's cabinet on Thursday, with plans set to be submitted for final approval in the next three months.

A proposed new bridge would take Waste Lane, which connects Balsall with Coventry, over the HS2 line.

Other bridges over the new line would carry Lavender Hall Lane, which connects Coventry, Berkswell and Balsall Common, and Diddington Lane, a road that runs between Hampton in Arden and Stonebridge.

At Coleshill Heath Road, which is north of the airport, HS2 is expected to run over the road.

Changes are also proposed to the A452 Kenilworth Road between Stonebridge and Balsall Common.

North of Bradnocks Marsh Lane, a realignment would see a new roundabout and dual carriageway taking the A452 over the line to the east of the road's existing layout.

The five proposals are set to be submitted for final approval in the next three months

Council officers said proposals had been developed after talks with the authority's highways and planning teams over the past few years.

Officers are also recommending the cabinet agrees to a further report over the proposed layout for the A45 Stonebridge junction - expected to be the final HS2 major highway scheme.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.