M42 drivers warned of major weekend closures

Drivers are being urged to plan ahead before a full weekend closure of part of the M42, with disruption expected around Birmingham Airport, the NEC and Birmingham International railway station.

The motorway will be shut in both directions between junctions six and nine from 21:00 BST on Friday 18 September until 05:00 on Monday 21 September.

A section of the M6 toll between M6 J3a and T1 northbound will also be closed.

The work will allow HS2 contractors to continue operations on the new high-speed railway, while National Highways will also demolish a deteriorating bridge at junction six, Bickenhill interchange.

The works will affect the M42 between junctions six and nine in both directions, including some connecting links from the M6 and M6 Toll.

Vehicles that regularly use the M42 overbridges at the Bickenhill Interchange have been advised to use alternative routes.

Fully signed diversion routes will be in place throughout the weekend, said HS2.

They include information for those:

• Travelling from the National Conference Centre/National Motorcycle Museum to join the A45 eastbound

• Travelling from the NEC/Northway to the National Conference Centre/National Motorcycle Museum

• Travelling from the NEC/Southway to the National Conference Centre/National Motorcycle Museum

• Travelling from the NEC/Clock Island to the National Conference Centre/National Motorcycle Museum

Heavy abnormal loads and any vehicles over 44 tonnes should have their routes approved in advance by National Highways and West Midlands Police.

HS2 said the closure was needed to install beams for its "motorway box" structure in Solihull and continue deck installation work on the Water Orton viaducts in North Warwickshire.

At the same time, National Highways will demolish the north bridge at the Bickenhill interchange after inspections found significant structural deterioration.

Engineers concluded repairs were not a viable option and said demolition was the safest long-term solution.

A 7.5 tonne weight restriction was initially imposed to safeguard the bridge when the structural defect was discovered.

But the bridge had to be closed in July after further deterioration was identified.

Plans are now being developed for a temporary bridge to be introduced at the junction until a replacement structure can be installed.

Current diversions around the bridge closure will remain in place until further notice.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.