HS2 announces dates for three-week bypass closure

A three-week closure of the A46 in Warwickshire will start in April, HS2 officials have said.

The Kenilworth bypass will shut to allow a 14,500-tonne box structure, which will carry the railway underneath, to be moved into place.

Locals previously voiced their frustration at not knowing when the closure was due to take place.

However, HS2 has confirmed the road will be shut from 20:00 BST on 11 April until 06:00 on 1 May.

Developers have also confirmed that following the works, lane closures will be in place on the north and southbound carriageways with a speed restriction of 50mph (80 km/h) until 31 July.

A spokesperson for HS2 Ltd said: "We recognise that the construction of the A46 bridge will have a major impact on drivers and we have planned the work to keep road closures to a minimum.

"By building the structure to one side and sliding it across during a solid three-week closure, we can avoid two years' worth of lane closures and speed restrictions – and get traffic moving again as soon as possible."

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.