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.  

Our next weekend closure to continue these works will be over the M42 from 14 to 17 August. The closure will be between J6 to J9 northbound and J9 to J6 southbound. There will also be temporary restrictions on the M6 northbound J3a link to M6toll T1 and M6 Toll southbound from T2.

• M42 full weekend closures between J6 to 9 northbound and J9 to 6 southbound – HS2
• Work item: HS2-BBV-26-2360
• M42 weekend closure toolkit

Later in the month we will be closing the M6.  This will be a full weekend closure between J4 and J4A northbound and southbound and (including the M42 J7A link to M6 southbound), from 9pm on Friday 21 August to 6am on Monday 24 August 2026.

• M6 full weekend closure between J4 and J4A northbound and southbound
• Work item: HS2-BBV-26-2346
• M6 weekend closure toolkit

Planned closure dates 

The current programme of weekend closures is as follows:

All dates remain subject to consent and operational requirements.

Alongside our works to install these new structures there will be additional motorway closures to facilitate: 

• preparatory and  

• ongoing works 

Details of these closures can be found here:  

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  

• Opportunities to ask questions and speak with the teams  

• Updates on the project   

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 you 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.