M42 junction 6 – Bickenhill Bridge weight and lane restrictions

To help protect the structure and keep the junction open for the vast majority of traffic, we’ve introduced:

• a lane one closure
• weight restriction for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.

Our detailed inspections and daily monitoring will continue so we can:

• understand the full extent of the deterioration
• determine the most appropriate remediation options.

We’ll provide further updates as this work progresses.

What this means for your journey

•    two lanes will remain open for traffic on the roundabout 
•    vehicles over 7.5 tonnes should follow signed alternative routes
•    drivers may experience some congestion at peak times
•    the M42 remains open in both directions beneath the bridge

Background

Information people most want to know about how we'll repair and maintain the bridge.

What’s the issue with the North bridge at M42 junction 6?

As part of routine inspections carried out in November 2025, National Highways identified significant structural deterioration of the bridge forming part of the northern M42 junction 6 roundabout.

How was the deterioration identified?

The deterioration was identified during routine inspections. National Highways carries out a robust programme of regular inspections across the strategic road network. Where issues are identified, we act promptly to maintain safety.

What measures are you putting in place?

We’ve introduced a lane one closure and 7.5 tonne weight limit on the northern bridge to prevent further deterioration of the structure. 

Is the bridge safe? 

Yes. The bridge remains safe to use and we’re continuing to carefully monitor the condition of the bridge to ensure the safety of motorists using the roundabout and the motorway below. 

How long will restrictions be in place?

Restrictions will remain in place until further notice. The nature and scope of any remedial works has not yet been confirmed by our specialist engineering consultants and will be determined by the outcome of the survey and assessment programme.

What vehicles are affected by the weight restriction?

The restriction applies to any vehicle weighing over 7.5 tonnes. The majority of motorists are not affected.

What is the impact on the NEC and Birmingham Airport? 

We continue to work closely with key stakeholders in the area, including the NEC, Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Business Park and JLR, to manage the impact to their customers. 

What alternative routes are available for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes?

Vehicles that regularly use the M42 overbridges at the Bickenhill Interchange have been advised to use alternative routes.

Heavy abnormal loads and any vehicles over 44 tonnes should have their routes approved in advance by National Highways and West Midlands Police. 

Is the bridge connected to the recently completed M42 junction 6 improvements scheme?

No. The bridge subject to the weight restriction was not part of the junction 6 upgrade programme. The deterioration identified during routine inspections in November 2025 is unrelated to that scheme.

Why wasn't the deterioration picked up during the junction improvement works? 

The M42 junction 6 improvement project was never tasked to make improvements or changes to this part of the junction.

The deterioration was known at the time but was not part of the scope of that project.

The improvement project included the construction of M42 J5a and the A4545 link road.  This will provide much needed resilience for the road network in this area during any works that will be required to address the deterioration of the M42 junction 6 north bridge. 

What repairs are planned?

The nature and scope of remedial works has not yet been confirmed.

This will be determined by the outcome of the specialist survey and assessment programme currently under way. We’ll provide further updates as the programme develops.