Update on Meriden Road – Daytime Closures Now Expected

Update on Meriden Road – Daytime Closures Now Expected

The Parish Council wants to update residents on the latest information regarding HS2’s planned installation of the bridge beams over Meriden Road.

From the outset, we have done everything within our power to avoid daytime road closures. Solihull Council repeatedly assured us that they would do the same in their communications with HS2, stating that a full daytime closure would be avoided wherever possible.

Despite these assurances, we have now been informed that HS2 will not be able to complete the works without closing Meriden Road during the day. Their current intention is to undertake the beam installation over a 10-day period, working during daytime hours. HS2/Solihull Council will be issuing further details in the coming weeks, and we will share these as soon as they are available.

This update is frustrating for the Parish Council, especially after earlier expectations were raised to us that closures could be avoided. We want to reassure residents that the Parish Council challenged this at every stage, but Solihull Council has confirmed that daytime closures are now unavoidable.  We are raising this issue with Ward Councillors.

We have, however, secured a commitment that Diddington Lane will remain open throughout the closure to support local access. The strategic diversion route will use the new A4545, A45, and A452.

HS2 remain committed to reopening Meriden Road to two-way traffic as soon as is possible, though no dates have yet been provided. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

We will keep you updated.