M42 to close overnight near Birmingham Airport for road maintenance
A section of the M42 motorway near Birmingham Airport will be closed in both directions overnight due to essential roadworks. Drivers have been issued an 'advance warning' as the closure is scheduled from 9pm on July 19 until the early hours of July 20.
The closure affects the M42 between Junction 6 (A45 Coventry Road, Birmingham Airport/Coventry) and Junction 7. Southbound traffic will be halted from 9pm to 4am, while northbound lanes between Junction 5 (A41 Solihull by-pass, Solihull/Knowle) and Junction 6 will be closed from 9pm to 6am.
Diversion routes and travel advice
According to travel monitoring service Inrix, the closure is for maintenance works. Diversions will be in place via slip roads. National Highways confirmed that carriageway and lane closures are necessary for the maintenance, with diversions routed through the National Highways network.
Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes or allow extra travel time. The closures are expected to cause disruption for late-night travellers, especially those heading to or from Birmingham Airport.
Impact on airport traffic and local roads
The M42 is a key route for Birmingham Airport access. With the southbound closure starting at J6, airport-bound drivers from the north may need to use J7 or local roads. Northbound traffic from Solihull and Knowle will be affected from J5. Local roads including the A45 and A41 are likely to see increased traffic during the closure periods.
A travel warning from National Highways stated: 'M42 [closed] both directions J6 to J7. Carriageway and lane closures for maintenance works. Diversion via National Highways network.'
Drivers are reminded to check live traffic updates before setting off. The closures are expected to be lifted by 4am (southbound) and 6am (northbound) on July 20, restoring normal motorway access.
