Major A38 Closure Near Lichfield for HS2 Bridge Construction
A significant stretch of the A38 near Lichfield is scheduled to close completely for 11 days to facilitate essential works on the High Speed 2 railway line. The closure will impact the road between the Swinfen Interchange roundabout and Hilliard’s Cross, affecting the areas around Streethay and Fradley.
Closure Dates and Expected Disruption
The shutdown will commence at 9pm on Friday, March 27, and continue until 5am on Wednesday, April 8. This period encompasses the entire Easter weekend, a time typically associated with increased travel. Motorists should anticipate substantial delays as diversion routes are implemented around Lichfield.
HS2 has confirmed that the closure is necessary to realign the A38, enabling the construction of the Rykneld Street bridge. This new infrastructure will allow the HS2 railway to pass beneath the existing A38 carriageway. A spokesperson for HS2 emphasized, "To carry out these works safely and to protect our workforce and road users, we need to close the A38 in both directions from Swinfen Interchange to Hilliard’s Cross, for approximately 11 days."
Detailed Diversion Routes for Motorists
Multiple diversion routes have been established to manage traffic flow during the closure. All routes will be clearly signposted to guide drivers effectively.
Northbound Diversion Route
- Exit the A38 at Swinfen Interchange and proceed along A5206 London Road/Upper John Street.
- Turn left onto Birmingham Road, then take the third exit at the roundabout.
- Continue straight over the next roundabout towards the A51 Lichfield Western Bypass/Stafford Road.
- At the subsequent roundabout, take the second exit onto the A515 via Tewnals Lane.
- Turn right onto Wood End Lane and follow the road to rejoin the A38 at Hilliard’s Cross.
Southbound Diversion Route
- Exit the A38 at Hilliard’s Cross and turn left onto Wood End Lane.
- Continue straight to the junction and turn left onto the A515 via Tewnals Lane.
- Take the first exit at the roundabout onto the A51 Stafford Road/Lichfield Western Bypass.
- Continue straight over the next roundabout, then take the first exit at the following roundabout onto Birmingham Road.
- Turn right onto the A5206 Upper John Street/London Road and continue to Swinfen Interchange.
- Take the third exit to rejoin the A38 southbound.
Additional Long-Term Closure and Strategic Diversions
In addition to the 11-day full closure, the northbound slip road at Streethay (Burton Road) will close for approximately 12 months, starting concurrently with the main shutdown. This is expected to add around 12 minutes to journey times for affected drivers.
For northbound traffic impacted by the Burton Road slip road closure, a local diversion route will direct vehicles from Trent Valley Roundabout onto the A5192 Cappers Lane, then onto the A38 southbound, exiting towards Swinfen Interchange, and finally rejoining the A38 northbound.
A strategic diversion route has also been designed for northbound traffic from the M6 Toll, A5, and A38. This route diverts at Weeford Interchange onto the A5 eastbound, then onto the M42 northbound, transitioning to the A42 and M1 northbound, before exiting at Junction 24 and rejoining the A38 via the A50 westbound.
HS2's Commitment to Minimizing Disruption
HS2 has stated that the works follow similar activities completed on the western side of the bridge last year. The spokesperson added, "We recognise that the closures may cause delays. The measures in place aim to minimise disruption and maintain reliable journey options for all road users."
Drivers are strongly advised to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow all signed diversion routes during this period. The closure marks a critical phase in the HS2 project, aimed at enhancing rail infrastructure while temporarily impacting road networks in the Midlands.
