M42 junction 6 - Bickenhill Bridge

Update

After detailed inspections, structural assessments and testing we've concluded that repairing the bridge isn't a viable option.

As a result, we've decided that demolishing the structure is the safest, most sustainable long-term solution.

We're planning to demolish the bridge in the safest manner possible while minimising disruption to road users, local communities and stakeholders. 

We'll continue detailed inspections and daily monitoring. We'll give you more details as our work proceeds.  

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

If you’re travelling to Birmingham Airport, Birmingham International Train Station, or the NEC, please allow extra time, especially if you’re travelling during busy periods. Follow our signed diversion routes rather than sat nav directions, which may not yet reflect the closure.

Access to the airport, train station and NEC remains open as normal. We’re monitoring traffic closely and working with partners across the area to help keep routes moving.

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?

We initially closed one lane of the bridge and later introduced a weight limit restricting vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.

We followed this by closing the bridge to all traffic.

Now we've decided that demolishing the structure is the safest, most sustainable long-term solution.

How long will restrictions be in place?

Restrictions will remain in place until further notice.

Our specialist engineering consultants haven't yet confirmed the nature and scope of the demolition programme.

This will be determined by the outcome of our survey and assessment programme.

Is the bridge and the M42 underneath safe?

To protect the safety of the public and to safeguard the structure, we've closed the bridge and the northern section of the roundabout. This closure applies only to traffic using the northern part of the roundabout.
 
The bridge remains safe for vehicles travelling underneath on the M42.

We're continuing enhanced monitoring to ensure motorway traffic can flow safely beneath the structure.

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. 

When will you demolish the bridge?

We're developing our detailed work programme. We'll provide further updates in due course.

Why are you waiting to demolish if the bridge is deteriorating so quickly?

Bridge demolition is a highly complex activity.

It requires careful planning, specialist contractors and equipment. We'll need full carriageway closures to ensure the work can be completed safely.

We’re planning to co-ordinate with scheduled closures of the M42 between Junctions 6 and 9 in the coming weeks. This will reduce the need for separate motorway closures and help minimise disruption for drivers.

How soon will you replace the bridge?

We are working at pace to develop options for both temporary and permanent replacement structures.

Until then existing diversions will remain in place. These are working well with minimal disruption.