Major HS2 motorway works planned across the West Midlands in 2026 – Key information

We will be carrying out a series of major engineering works over the M42 and M6 between June and November 2026. These works are required so that we can install three new railway structures for Britain’s new high-speed railway. 

M42 between junctions 6 to 9 northbound and 9 to 7 southbound 

We previously advised that our next weekend closure to continue the M42 works will be over the M42 from 23 to 26 October.   

The Met Office is forecasting that large parts of the UK will be affected by strong winds this weekend (23 – 25 October), so we’re making some changes to our planned programme of construction works to ensure we keep everyone safe. 

The Water Orton viaduct parapet installation works that were planned to take place above the M42 will be rescheduled. As a result, J6 to 9 northbound and J9 to 7 southbound will be open this weekend. 

We plan to complete the works over the M42 the following weekend (subject to weather conditions) from 9pm on Friday 30 October until 5am Monday 2 November 2026. 

M42 J7 link to M6 northbound 

There will be work on the M6 J4a southbound link to the M42 in both directions and temporary restrictions between M6 J3a to T1 northbound and from T2 southbound from 5am on Saturday 24 October until 10pm Sunday 25 October.

M42 weekend closures between J6 to 9 northbound and J9 to 7 southbound – HS2

• UPDATED NOTICE:M42 J7 link to M6 northbound and M42 full weekend closure between J6 to 9 northbound and J9 to 7 southbound – HS2
• Work item: HS2-BBV-26-2509

The current programme of weekend closures is as follows:

 The current programme of weekend closures is as follows: 

All dates remain subject to consent and operational requirements. 

We will be holding a series of community information events in collaboration with National Highways to help residents, businesses and commuters understand the works and prepare for the closures.

These events will provide:

• Details of planned motorway closures
• Information on diversion routes

For details visit our Events webpage

Plan ahead before you travel

You will still be able to reach your destination. Please follow the fully signed diversion and allow extra time for your journey.

For real-time updates on roadworks and closures, including HS2 activities on public highways, visit one.network.

M42 twin-box structure

Once complete, the 300-metre-long M42 twin-box structure will allow trains to travel above the motorway while vehicles continue through the box below.  

Engineers will install 175 individual beams weighing between 56 and 92 tonnes across four weekend closures.  

The structure has been designed using modular construction techniques, allowing much of the work to be completed without closing the motorway.  

Water Orton viaduct installation 

In nearby Water Orton, engineers are preparing to extend two viaducts that will carry high-speed trains towards Birmingham Curzon Street and the Washwood Heath rolling stock depot.  

Rather than building the final sections using traditional cantilever methods, the remaining viaduct spans will be assembled beside the motorway and moved into place using self-propelled modular transporters.  

This innovative approach significantly reduces installation time and minimises disruption for motorists.  

Works are scheduled to begin on Friday 24 July 2026.  

M6 South Viaduct West 

The final major operation involves installation of the M6 South Viaduct West near Chelmsley Wood.  

Using a fully restrained deck-slide process, engineers will move the viaduct into position while keeping traffic moving during key phases of the operation.