Notice of temporary full weekend closures of M42 J5a to 7 northbound (including M6 J4a link to M42 northbound/southbound) and M42 J6 to 7 southbound

What we are doing

Location
M42 between junctions 5a to 7 northbound and 6 to 7 southbound (including M6 J4 northbound link to M42)

Duration
From 9pm on Friday 26 June until 5am Monday 29 June 2026

What we are doing
As we progress with the construction of the railway, we will be closing the M42 junctions 5a to 7 northbound and 6 to 7 southbound to allow our workforce to safely install beams for the M42 Motorway Box structure as part of our planned programme of works.

What to expect
A fully signed diversion route will be in place during the closure. Low level noise from our works site. Please allow extra time for your journey.

HS2 is undergoing a comprehensive reset to ensure it can be built efficiently and for the lowest reasonable cost. This work is being carried out in stages and will be completed in 2026. We will provide you with updates on the reset and what this means for our plans to build the railway in your area.

Diversion routes

Additional information 

HS2 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.

visualisation of M42 motorway box structure in Solihull

Planned closure dates

Six weekend motorway closures are planned between June and November 2026.

Closure dates remain subject to final approvals and operational requirements.

Find out more

HS2 and BBV 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 event details visit:  Events Archive – HS2

Travel advice

Road users are strongly advised to:

• plan ahead
• check the route before setting off
• allow extra travel time and
• follow the clearly signposted approved diversion routes
• Stay up to date with traffic information via network

M42 twin-box structure.

The first major operation begins on Friday 26 June 2026 with installation works for the M42 twin-box structure.

Once complete, the 300-metre-long 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.

Download information relating to these works

• Notice of temporary full weekend closures of M42 J5a to 7 northbound (including M6 J4a link to M42 northbound/southbound) and M42 J6 to 7 southbound

Find out more about

• Solihull

If you have a question about HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email [email protected]