The northbound slip road onto the A38 at Streethay near Lichfield will remain closed until April 2027, six months later than originally promised by HS2, sparking fury from local MP Dave Robertson.
Slip road closure extended
Motorists using the A38 northbound have faced disruption since the slip road was closed to facilitate HS2 construction work. The reopening was initially scheduled for October 2026, but HS2 has now confirmed that the road will not reopen until the spring of 2027.
Labour MP Dave Robertson, who represents Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages, expressed his anger at the news, stating: "Another HS2 delay. Another broken promise."
MP's reaction
Robertson, who had previously met with HS2's chief executive to discuss the timeline, revealed that the company informed him of the extended closure. He said: "The A38 northbound slip road in Streethay was due to reopen in October 2026. After my meeting with the CEO of HS2, the company has now informed [me] it will stay closed until April 2027."
The MP highlighted the ongoing impact on the community, noting that the closure, combined with a temporary 50mph speed limit, affects approximately 70,000 vehicles daily. He added: "Our communities have lived with years of disruption and were looking forward to finally seeing the end of these roadworks. This latest delay is completely unacceptable and will continue to impact residents, commuters and businesses who rely on the A38 every day."
HS2's response
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for HS2 told the BBC: "We recognise the frustration for local communities and road users that the A38 northbound slip road at Streethay is closed while we realign the slip road for HS2 works." The spokesperson explained that despite exploring options for a temporary reopening in October 2026, none met safety standards required by an independent road safety audit.
The statement continued: "Safety is our first priority and we will continue to deliver the permanent realignment and reopen the slip road in April 2027."
Context of HS2 project reset
This delay comes amid a broader reset of the HS2 project, announced in May by the new chief executive, Mark Wild. The reset aims to improve delivery and restore public confidence following years of missed deadlines and escalating costs. The Streethay slip road closure is part of the wider HS2 works in the Lichfield area, which have caused significant disruption to local transport networks.
Robertson has pledged to continue holding HS2 to account, stating: "I will keep holding HS2 to account and fighting for our community." Residents and businesses in the area have expressed frustration over the prolonged disruption, with many relying on the A38 as a vital route for commuting and freight.
Impact on daily travel
The extended closure means that the 70,000 vehicles using the A38 daily will face continued congestion and delays. The temporary 50mph speed limit remains in place, further slowing traffic. Local businesses have also voiced concerns about the economic impact of reduced accessibility and longer journey times.
As the project continues, HS2 has assured that the permanent realignment will be delivered by April 2027, but critics argue that the repeated delays undermine trust in the project's management. The MP's strong words reflect growing public discontent with the prolonged disruption caused by HS2 works in the region.
