Drivers urged to plan ahead for M42 weekend closures
The AA is advising drivers to allow extra time for journeys this summer as a series of weekend closures on the M42 get underway to support major HS2 construction work in the West Midlands.
The closures will allow HS2 engineers to install beams for the new M42 Motorway Box structure near Birmingham Business Park and continue work on the Water Orton viaducts, which will eventually carry the high-speed railway across the motorway network.
The M42 will be closed on the following weekends between 9pm on Friday and 5am on Monday:
- 26 - 29 June - Junctions 5a to 7 only
- 24 - 27 July
- 14 - 17 August
- 18 - 21 September
The June closure will affect the M42 between Junctions 5a and 7 northbound and Junctions 6 and 7 southbound. The M6 Junction 4 southbound link road to the M42 northbound will also be affected during the June closure.
During the July, August and September closures, the northbound M42 will be closed between Junctions 5a and 9, while the southbound carriageway will be closed between Junctions 6 and 9.
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place throughout the closures. HS2 says diversions have been designed for all vehicle types, while traffic management teams, National Highways Traffic Officers and regional transport control centres will monitor routes and respond to incidents.
Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: "These closures will affect one of the Midlands' busiest motorway corridors and drivers should be prepared for longer journey times, particularly at the start and end of each closure period.
"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.
"If you're travelling over one of the closure weekends, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey, keep fuel levels topped up and take regular breaks if delays mean you're on the road for longer than planned."
The AA is advising drivers to:
- Check traffic conditions and roadworks before travelling.
- Allow extra time for journeys.
- Follow signed diversion routes.
- Keep fuel levels topped up before setting off.
- Carry water and essentials in case of delays.
- Consider travelling outside the busiest periods where possible.
Drivers can use The AA Routeplanner and live traffic information services to help plan their journeys and avoid unnecessary delays.