A bridge over the M42 near Birmingham will be demolished this weekend, after repeatedly being hit by lorries over the last decade.

The structure between junctions 7 (M6 J4) and 6 (Birmingham Airport) was struck twice in one week by lorries using the motorway last month, causing significant damage. Since then, the southbound carriageway has been reduced to two lanes for safety reasons.

This weekend, weather permitting, the bridge will come down.

National Highways Asset Needs Manager Greg Fernee said: “To remove the bridge in a safe and controlled manner, we need to close the road for a full weekend. People will need to plan their journeys carefully, by checking diversion routes and allowing extra time particularly if they have a flight to catch from Birmingham Airport or are attending an event at the NEC.

“We are grateful for the patience of road users since the bridge was first hit at the start of the year and over the last week while we’ve been carrying out preparation work for this weekend’s operation.”

The M42 will be closed from 9pm tonight (Friday, 9 February) to 5am on Monday, 12 February.

The southbound carriageway will be closed from junction 9 to junction 6, together with the link arm from M6 south to M42 south and the M6 north to M42 south arm.

The northbound carriageway will be closed from junction 6 to 7 including the link to the M6. There will be no impact on the M6 toll.

The bridge, which carries the A452 over the motorway was originally due to be demolished next year.

(Picture – National Highways)