M42 junction 6 - Bickenhill Bridge
Routine inspections of the bridge at the northern side of the M42 junction 6 roundabout have identified deterioration in the condition of the structure. As a result, we're taking precautionary steps to manage the load on the bridge deck while we carry out further investigations.
Following further, extensive surveys and monitoring of the structure, we’ve now closed the bridge to all traffic to help protect the structure.
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
- diversions will be in place for affected traffic and drivers should follow signed alternative routes rather than rely on sat navs
- drivers may experience some congestion at peak times
- the M42 remains open in both directions beneath the bridge
Planning your journey
To help you plan your journey, here's information about the most suitable diversions to avoid weight restriction.
Travelling along the A45 eastbound to join the M42 southbound
Travelling along the M42 northbound to join the A45 eastbound
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?
One lane of the bridge was initially closed and a weight limit later introduced restricting vehicles over 7.5 tonnes. There have been repeated breaches of the weight limit which was put in place to safeguard the bridge.
Following our ongoing and extensive surveys and monitoring of the structure, a decision has now been taken to close the bridge to all traffic.
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 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?
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.
Travelling from the National Conference Centre/National Motorcycle Museum to join the A45 eastbound
Travelling from the NEC/Northway to the National Conference Centre/National Motorcycle Museum
Travelling from the NEC/Southway to the National Conference Centre/National Motorcycle Museum
Travelling from the NEC/Clock Island to the National Conference Centre/National Motorcycle Museum
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.
Project information
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