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.
Friday 14th (9pm) – Monday 17th (5am) August – M42 full weekend closure – J6-J9 northbound and J9-J6 southbound
If you’re travelling on M6 northbound:
The M6toll will be directly impacted by these works. The M6toll will be closed northbound from 9pm Friday 14 August to 5am Monday 17 August between M6toll / M6 northbound diverge and junction T1. There will be a diversion route in place via M6 J3a – M6 J4 – A446 northbound to Junction T1 on M6toll. Access to the M6toll northbound from M42 J6 will also be restricted – use A45 and A452 to join diverted traffic on A446.
If you’re travelling southbound:
The M6toll will also be closed southbound from 9pm Friday 14 August to 5am Monday 17 August at Junction T2 (customers will need to exit M6toll at Junction T2). There will be a diversion route in place via A446 southbound to M6 J4 then M6 southbound.
Customers travelling towards the M42 southbound will continue on the signed diversion route along the A446.
✔ Allow extra journey time
✔ Follow signed diversion routes
✔ Check traffic updates before setting off
Outside of these works, the M6toll remains fully open as normal
18th (21:00) – 21st (06:00) September – M42 weekend closure – J5a-J9 northbound and J6-J9 southbound
The M6toll will be directly impaced by these works. The M6toll will be closed northbound at the M6toll / M6 northbound diverge to junction T1 northbound. There will be a diversion route in place via M6 J4 – A446 northbound to T1 on M6toll.
The M6toll will also be closed southbound at junction T2 (resulting in customers exiting at junction T2). There will be a diversion route in place via A446 southbound to M6 J4 then M6 southbound. Customers wanting the M42 southbound will continue to be diverted along the A446.
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