Press release

Work starts tonight improving M42 junction 6 in Birmingham

Drivers are advised work starts tonight to improve the key junction linking the M42 to destinations such as Birmingham Airport and the NEC.

Work will start at 20:00 each night and continue until 06:00 the next morning. There will also be occasional night time full closures needed until the project ends in November, which will be advised in advance with well-signed diversion routes. From mid-July work will start on the A45 eastbound exit slip road.

The project, which is part of the Government’s £317million pinch point scheme to boost local economies, will ease congestion at this important junction and improve journeys for travellers catching flights and those attending events at the NEC or the National Motorcycle Museum.

The work involves widening the A45 Coventry Road eastbound to four lanes at the approach to junction 6 of the M42 and widening the roundabout to provide four lanes. It will reduce excessive queues and the likelihood of delays at busy times when large events are taking place nearby and there is a busy flight schedule at the airport.

The work will take until November to complete and drivers are advised to leave extra time for their journeys and check the Highways Agency website for the current situation and suggested alternative routes.

Highways Agency Project Manager Debbie Makinde said real consideration had been given to minimising disruption to all road users and local businesses at this vital junction:

We’re well aware what a busy location this is and that is the very reason we are carrying out this important pinch point project. We have liaised thoroughly with the NEC, airport, museum and others to ensure the work causes as little inconvenience as possible.

Please check our website for the latest information before you travel.

A dedicated webpage with the best advice throughout the scheme is available on the Highways Agency’s website, or call the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 16 June 2014