About HS2
HS2 is Britain’s new high-speed railway, between London and Birmingham. It is designed to improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and boost economic growth in the regions it serves.
Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) is working in partnership with HS2 Ltd to build the new high-speed railway in Solihull, Birmingham, Warwickshire and Staffordshire.
The ongoing HS2 construction has necessitated substantial works near the M6toll, including the development of viaducts and other structures to carry the railway over the road network. In the Midlands, the HS2 Phase One route spans 90km, crossing the M42/M6toll at two points between Junctions 7a and 9 of the M42.
What is happening and when?
HS2 will be carrying out a series of major engineering works over the M42 and M6 between June and November 2026. These works are required so that they can install three new railway structures for Britain’s new high-speed railway. Temporary weekend closures are planned throughout the Summer and Autumn which will impact the M6toll.
The main HS2 works at Water Orton which impact the M42 and M6toll have now been concluded for 2026
Find out more about these closures and diversion routes
Take a look at our Driving Information page
2nd – 6th November (21:00-05:00) M42 Southbound after M6toll. Access to the M42 at junction 7a from the M6toll will be closed overnight due to scheduled HS2 works.
For the M6toll Southbound traffic wanting to use the M42, a clearly signed diversion route will be installed diverting traffic from J7a onto M6 Southbound to J3, then Northbound to J4, A446 Southbound then A45 to M42 J6. An additional diversion advising traffic off at M6toll junction T2, along the A446 to J6 of the M42 will also be in place.
The J7a diversion adds an extra 19 miles / 23 minutes in free flow conditions. The advisory diversion route at T2 will lengthen your journey by 1.3 miles and approximately 5 minutes in free flow conditions.
Follow our M6toll social channels to keep up to date with the latest travel information and make the of most of your journey.
Outside of these works, the M6toll remains open for business as usual and continues to be your most reliable option for traveling through the region, offering a stress-free alternative to the roadworks. For even greater convenience, consider opening an account.
To find out more about the HS2 works
Contact HS2
Freephone: 08081 434 434
Minicom: 08081 456 472
Email:HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk
Mail: FREEPOST HS2 Community Engagement