Relief as major route set to reopen on time

Victoria Lazenby from the Highways Agency thanked residents for their patience whilst the work took place

HS2 works that have closed a major Warwickshire road for almost three weeks are on target to finish on time, the Highways Agency says.

A stretch of the A46 near Kenilworth has been shut since 11 April while a 14,500-tonne box structure was installed underneath it, causing major disruption for motorists.

The agency said it was "very confident" the route would reopen as planned at 06:00 BST on Thursday.

Spokesperson Victoria Lazenby thanked residents for their patience and said the significant stage of the work was "soon to be completed".

Two lanes will reopen on both north and southbound carriageways between the Stivichall Interchange (Festival Island) and the Thickthorn Island, with a 50mph (80.4km/h) speed limit in place.

A single-lane closure on both sides of the carriageway is expected to remain until July.

John McNiff from Balfour Beatty Vinci said it took 10 hours to move the bridge into place

John McNiff, project director at HS2 contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci, said workers removed 200m (218.7yd) of road then dug out the equivalent of 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools of material.

The box structure, which was built on site, was then pushed 213ft (65m) into place, he added, and a bridge brought in to "millimetre precision" so the carriageway could be rebuilt over the top.

Cameron Thomas from HS2 said the installation of the bridge had been a career highlight

Cameron Thomas from HS2 has worked on the project for seven years and said the installation of the bridge was a "career high".

"I'm smiling from ear to ear because the level of anxiety I felt when it was being pushed was through the roof," he said.

He described the precision of its design and installation as "incredible", adding: "It was overwhelming to witness and a hugely proud moment for me."

Two lanes of the A46 are expected to reopen at 06:00 BST on Thursday

Road users and residents have complained of disruption while the signed diversion route is in place.

Chris Patting, who lives in Kenilworth, said the traffic had been "quite shocking" and it was "difficult to get anywhere in the car".

"The junction of New Street, Bridge Street, High Street and Fieldgate Lane is the worst, with huge HGVs trying to get through there and causing a huge pile-up," she said.

Another resident, Mike Hull, said he had seen cars driving on the footpath and been avoiding going into town "at all costs" due to the diversion route.

"The HGVs are really struggling to get round the small streets. As a pedestrian, it's a bit of run to get into the park for safety," he added.

Ms Lazenby said she knew the people of Kenilworth and Stoneleigh would have "felt it the most", but added the works were "on track" to be completed by Thursday.