M42 to close overnight in June between Solihull and NEC

Drivers in the Midlands are being urged to allow extra time for journeys if using the M42 next month (June) with part of the motorway set to close overnight.

From Friday 10 June to Monday 13 June, the southbound carriageway will be fully closed overnight between junctions 6 (National Exhibition Centre) and 5 (Solihull) from 10pm to 5am.

Works are being carried out as part of the £282m upgrade to the notorious bottleneck, with essential work taking place to strengthen the current central reservation.

National Highways says this needs to happen ahead of two bridge structures being moved into place later this year.

During the day, two lanes will be open on the southbound side of the carriageway from 5am to 10pm.

Drivers travelling northbound should also leave additional time for their journeys with two lanes in operation for the duration of the weekend work.

Once complete, National Highways say the project will support planned development by improving access to HS2 (High Speed 2), the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham Airport and future developments such as UK Central Solihull.

What’s been said about the closure?

National Highways Programme Leader, Anita Prashar, said: “We have planned this work carefully to ensure we can limit disruption where possible. We’re also working overnight when the road is much quieter.

“We’d encourage drivers to plan their journeys before setting off and to leave additional time if travelling on the M42.”

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