National Highways Opts for Demolition as M42 Bridge Deterioration Accelerates

A 50-year-old bridge at M42 Junction 6 will be demolished after engineers concluded it could no longer be economically strengthened, with a temporary replacement planned while a permanent structure is designed and built.

National Highways has confirmed it will demolish a deteriorating bridge at Junction 6 of the M42 after detailed inspections found the ageing structure had reached the point where repairs would no longer provide a sustainable long-term solution.

The bridge, located on the northern section of the junction roundabout, was closed in July following the discovery of significant deterioration affecting both its reinforced concrete and steel elements.

Subsequent structural investigations concluded that, while strengthening work was considered, it would not deliver the long-term reliability required for such a heavily trafficked section of the strategic road network.

Demolition Chosen Over Repair

Rather than carrying out further remedial works, National Highways will remove the existing bridge during planned motorway closures between Junctions 6 and 9 over the coming weeks.

A temporary bridge will then be installed to maintain connectivity while plans progress for a permanent replacement built to modern engineering standards.

The phased approach is intended to restore access as quickly as possible while allowing a new structure to be designed and constructed without compromising safety.

Ageing Infrastructure Driving Renewals

The bridge is one of many structures built during the rapid expansion of Britain's motorway network in the 1960s and 1970s that are now approaching the end of their original design life.

National Highways says ongoing inspections identified a rapid decline in the bridge's condition, prompting immediate action to protect road users.

According to the organisation, closing the structure when deterioration accelerated was the safest course of action while engineers completed detailed assessments.

Supporting the RIS3 Renewal Programme

The replacement forms part of the wider focus on infrastructure renewal under the Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), which prioritises the refurbishment and replacement of ageing bridges, retaining walls and other key assets across England's strategic road network.

Ian Doust, Head of Network Planning and Development at National Highways, said many of the structures managed by the organisation are now more than half a century old and require significant investment to ensure they remain safe and reliable.

He added that investigations demonstrated demolition and replacement represented the most effective long-term solution, enabling the bridge to be rebuilt to modern standards and ensuring the route continues to support the movement of people and freight for decades to come.

Design work on the permanent replacement is now progressing, with the temporary bridge expected to remain in service until construction of the new structure is completed.