The M42 will be closed next weekend between Junctions 6 and 9 for planned HS2 works – and National Highways is taking the opportunity to demolish an ageing bridge, as Highways News reported last month.

The closure is expected to cause disruption for commuters and drivers travelling to Birmingham Airport, Birmingham International station and the NEC, says the Express & Star.

Work is due to run from 9pm on Friday 18 September to 5am on Monday 21 September, and during the pre-planned closure National Highways will demolish the Bickenhill Bridge that forms part of the northern M42 Junction 6 roundabout.

National Highways said the bridge has suffered “significant structural deterioration” and experts have “concluded that repairing the bridge isn’t a viable option”.

In a new video posted on X, David May, head of scheme delivery for National Highways in the Midlands, said:

“Doing both piece of work together means we have no extra closures and we will limit the disruption to the members of public. If you’re coming to the NEC or the Motorcycle Museum or Birmingham Airport, please plan your journey.

“We’ll also have extra traffic officer patrols in place throughout the weekend to help keep traffic moving smoothly.”

(Picture: Mapillary)