HS2 motorway closures set to disrupt Midlands traffic this summer

If you’re planning to drive through the Midlands this summer, expect weekend travel disruption as a series of motorway closures linked to the High Speed 2 railway construction near Birmingham affect key routes.

Major sections of the M42 will be closed at weekends, with delays likely on journeys across the region.

The closures are needed to support large-scale construction work for High Speed 2, a planned high-speed rail network linking London with major cities in the Midlands and the North of England.

The work includes installing beams for a new “box” structure carrying HS2 over the motorway near Birmingham Business Park, as well as ongoing viaduct construction at Water Orton in Warwickshire.

Once complete, these structures will allow HS2 to pass over the existing motorway network.

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When will the motorway close?

Closures will run overnight from 9pm Friday to 5am Monday on the following weekends:

• 26-29 June
• 24-27 July
• 14-17 August
• 18-21 September

The June closure will be slightly more limited, but still disruptive, affecting parts of the northbound and southbound carriageways between key junctions, along with a link road connecting to the M6 motorway.

The later closures in July, August and September will be wider, with:

• Northbound carriageway closed between Junctions 5a and 9
• Southbound carriageway closed between Junctions 6 and 9

Diversions are in place, but delays are likely

Clearly signed diversion routes will be set up for all closures and are expected to handle all types of traffic. Traffic officers and control centres will monitor conditions throughout each weekend.

However, if you’re travelling through the area, expect congestion on surrounding routes as traffic diverts away from the closed sections.

What you need to know

Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said the closures will affect one of the Midlands’ busiest commuter and freight routes and warned that delays are likely, especially at the start and end of each closure period.

He added: “Although diversion routes will be clearly signed, traffic is likely to build on surrounding roads as motorists look for alternative routes. Drivers heading to Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Birmingham Business Park and other destinations around the M42 corridor should allow plenty of extra time and check traffic conditions before setting off.”

Here are some quick expert tips and tricks to help you navigate the disruptions:

• Check traffic updates before you travel
• Allow extra journey time
• Follow diversion signs carefully
• Make sure fuel tanks are full/got enough charge in your EV
• Carry water and essentials in case of delays
• Avoid peak travel times during closure weekends

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