Motorists urged to plan their journeys ahead of M42 closure for HS2 works 

HS2 will be carrying out work between junctions 9 (Dunton Interchange) and Junction 10 (Tamworth Interchange) to install the Marston Box bridge.

Marston Box is the bridge that will carry the HS2 line across the M42 Motorway near Junction 9, north of Lea Marston and Curdworth in North Warwickshire.  

To ensure the safety of the workforce, the road will be fully closed on:

• Southbound carriageway closure (Junctions 10 to 9) – from 9pm on Friday 23 December 2022 to 5am Tuesday 3 January 2023. 
• Northbound carriageway closure (Junctions 9 to 10) – from 5pm Saturday 24 December 2022 to 5am Tuesday 3 January 2023. 

HGV drivers are being reminded to follow the signed diversion to avoid a low bridge at Piccadilly near Kingsbury.

National Highways is urging drivers to check their vehicles before setting off and to allow additional time for journeys. 

National Highways Senior Network Planner, Frank Bird said: “We’ve been working closely with colleagues at HS2 to plan this closure over the Christmas period.  

“While we appreciate this closure will cause some disruption on this part of the M42, wherever possible we are completing roadworks in the lead up to the Christmas holiday and we’ll be lifting hundreds of miles of roadworks across the country between Christmas and New Year to help keep traffic flowing. 

“We’d encourage all motorists to familiarise themselves with the diversion route before setting off and to leave additional time for their journeys. We’d also like to remind people about the importance of checking their vehicle before setting off on their journeys.  

“Simple things like checking your fuel and oil levels, tyre pressures and that all lights are working properly, can keep you moving and the network flowing.” 

 Caption: A clearly signed diversion route will be in place over this period with advance signage in place to help remind motorists of the closure. 

Motorists travelling to and from the North East, East or East Midlands towards Birmingham (West Midlands) should consider using alternative routes such as M1/A38 or M1/M69/M6 to avoid the M42. 

Those travelling from the South East and South Wales to and from the above locations should also consider using alternative routes such as M5/M6/A38 or M5/A46/M6/M69.  

If you have any questions regarding the closure, please contact the HS2 Helpdesk on:  

• Freephone: 08081 434 434
• Email: hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk 

To receive updates about the closure, subscribe to www.hs2inwarwickshire.co.uk.

Live updates on traffic flow can be found at http://www.trafficengland.com/. 

For live traffic updates follow the @HighwaysWMIDS Twitter feed. The National Highways 24/7 customer contact centre team can also provide up-to-the minute information on 0300 123 5000.