Drivers are facing significant delays this weekend as the M42 motorway will be closed in both directions between junctions 6 and 9. The closure, which begins at 9pm on Friday and lasts until 5am on Monday, is necessary for the demolition of the Bickenhill Bridge due to its deteriorating condition. National Highways has determined that repairing the bridge is not feasible, making demolition the safest long-term solution.
The timing of the closure coincides with HS2 works, aimed at minimising disruption. However, motorists heading to Birmingham Airport, the NEC, or Birmingham International Train Station should expect slower journeys. National Highways advises drivers to follow signposted diversion routes instead of relying on sat navs, which may not reflect the latest changes.
Once the bridge is demolished, restrictions will remain in place at the junction, impacting traffic flow in the area. This could lead to ongoing delays even after the demolition is complete, as the infrastructure will take time to adjust to the changes. The situation highlights the importance of planning ahead for those travelling in and out of Birmingham this weekend.
As the demolition progresses, National Highways will monitor traffic closely and work with local partners to manage congestion. The focus remains on ensuring safety during the demolition process while keeping essential routes open for airport and train station access.
Source: GB News
