Motorists using the M42 northbound near Solihull are being advised of a long-term hard shoulder closure as HS2 continues work on the high-speed railway.

The closure will affect the northbound carriageway between Junction 7a and Junction 8 and will be in place from 5am on Monday, 21 September until 5am on Tuesday, 30 March 2027.

HS2 says the works are required to install a permanent vehicle restraint system (VRS), carry out drainage works and reinstate the hard shoulder.

Once complete, existing traffic management measures can be removed.

Despite the closure of the hard shoulder, drivers will still be able to use all four lanes of the main northbound carriageway throughout the works.

HS2 has also said residents and road users should only experience low levels of noise while work is taking place.

The latest works form part of the wider construction programme around the M42, where HS2 is building major structures including the 300-metre-long "twin box" structure that will eventually carry the railway over the motorway near Solihull.

HS2 said the project is currently undergoing a comprehensive reset aimed at ensuring the railway can be delivered efficiently and at the lowest reasonable cost.

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The organisation said work is being carried out in stages and that updates will continue to be provided to local communities on what the reset means for plans in the area.

Drivers are advised to plan journeys as normal, with four traffic lanes remaining open on the M42 northbound throughout the duration of the hard shoulder closure.

To find out more, click here.