HS2 construction to close bypass for weeks

A 14,500-tonne box structure, which will carry HS2 under the A46 Kenilworth Bypass, is being built next to the road

A major road will close for up to three weeks in the spring, as well as for two weekends in February, to allow key engineering works for HS2.

The A46 Kenilworth Bypass in Warwickshire will shut to allow a 14,500-tonne box structure, which will carry the railway underneath, to be moved into place.

The structure is currently being built next to the carriageway.

Vicki Lee, a senior project manager for HS2 Ltd, thanked motorists for their patience, adding that the closures would allow the team to carry out important work on the carriageway that would be unsafe if traffic was running.

HS2 said the box structure was being built next to the road, rather than directly under it, to avoid the need for further traffic management measures.

The A46 will be shut between Festival Island in Coventry and Thickthorn Island in Kenilworth for the second and third weekends in February for preparation work to take place before the structure is moved into place under the carriageway in the spring.

This stage will see a jacking mechanism push the box directly under the A46.

The box will be pushed into place under the A46 in the spring

David Patmore, network planner for National Highways, said its primary concern was minimising disruption for road users.

"We work very closely with HS2 and its partners and welcome the innovative techniques being used to meet that objective and reduce the impact that such a major, complex project could have on the travelling public," he said.

"It is good news that the works are progressing so well and we are grateful for drivers' patience as the scheme moves towards the box push in the spring."

• The A46 will be closed between Festival Island in Coventry and Thickthorn Island in Kenilworth between 20:00 GMT on 7 February and 06:00 GMT on 10 February, and again between 20:00 GMT on 14 February and 06:00 on 17 February

• The road will be subject to a full closure for up to three weeks in the spring

• A drop-in event for local residents to find out more about the works is being held at the Kenilworth Centre on 15 January