Skanska are upgrading the M42 at junction 6 to improve traffic flow on and around the A45. Work includes creating a new junction (5a) on the M42 and constructing a new dual carriageway link road (A4545) between the new junction and Clock Interchange. This work will support access to Birmingham International airport and train station and prepare capacity for the new HS2 station. 

Construction of the new link road involves realigning and connecting Catherine de Barnes Lane onto a new 38.6m long bridge (BR04), which will span the link road. Once completed, this bridge will carry the existing Catherine de Barnes Lane traffic near the north entry to St Peters Lane, to a new T-junction where motorists will be able to turn towards Clock Interchange roundabout or into Bickenhill. 

Skanska are completing the installation of a pedestrian bridge; this requires the closure of the eastbound A45 to enable the delivery and installation of the access ramps. These ramps will connect into the main span of the pedestrian bridge which was installed in May 2022. To avoid further disruption, this activity will be combined with a utility provider to avoid concurrent closures.

To allow safe completion of all this work, the following road closures are required: 

• The eastbound section of the A45 from the Clock Interchange to junction 6 from 10pm Friday 28 October until 6am Monday 30 October
• The northern entry to St Peters Lane from 10pm on Sunday 9 October to 3pm on Friday 2 December
• Catherine de Barnes Lane (North) from 10pm on Friday 18 November to 3pm on Friday 2 December

This temporary solution will enable to complete bulk excavation underneath the location of BR04 and the diversion of a foul water pipe and several other utility services in the area. Skanska will plan the work carefully to keep disruption to a minimum and notice will be given to residents by the utility companies ahead of time.