A bridge over the M42 on the edge of Solihull remains closed after "deterioration" was found following a "routine" inspection.

National Highways confirmed the northern bridge on the roundabout at junction six (Bickenhill) is still shut, having closed on Monday (July 13).

A statement said: "Routine inspections of the bridge at the northern side of the M42 junction 6 roundabout have identified deterioration in the condition of the structure.

"As a result, we're taking precautionary steps to manage the load on the bridge deck while we carry out further investigations."

The closure is impacting traffic trying to access the NEC and Resorts World.

National Highways said there will be "daily monitoring" as engineers try to assess the extent of the deterioration.

Diversions are in place and the M42 remains open in both directions.

The issue was first spotted in November last year, and one lane was closed as National Highways looked to reduce the wear on the bridge.

"One lane of the bridge was initially closed and a weight limit later introduced restricting vehicles over 7.5 tonnes," the statement added.

"There have been repeated breaches of the weight limit which was put in place to safeguard the bridge.

"Following our ongoing and extensive surveys and monitoring of the structure, a decision has now been taken to close the bridge to all traffic."

National Highways has not said how long the closure will remain in place.

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(Header image by Richard Law via Geograph.org.uk)