Motorists are being warned of a closure for the M42 this weekend.

The closures will allow HS2 engineers to install beams for the new M42 Motorway Box structure near Birmingham Business Park and continue work on the Water Orton viaducts, which will eventually carry the high-speed railway across the motorway network.

The M42 will be closed on the following between 9pm on Friday (June 26) and 5am on Monday.

The June closure will affect the M42 between Junctions 5a and 7 northbound and Junctions 6 and 7 southbound.

The M6 Junction 4 southbound link road to the M42 northbound will also be affected during the June closure.

Future closures will be held on:

• 24 - 27 July
• 14 - 17 August
• 18 - 21 September

During the July, August and September closures, the northbound M42 will be closed between Junctions 5a and 9, while the southbound carriageway will be closed between Junctions 6 and 9.

Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: "These closures will affect one of the Midlands' busiest motorway corridors and drivers should be prepared for longer journey times, particularly at the start and end of each closure period.

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"Although diversion routes will be clearly signed, traffic is likely to build on surrounding roads as motorists look for alternative routes.

"Drivers heading to Birmingham Airport, the NEC, Birmingham Business Park and other destinations around the M42 corridor should allow plenty of extra time and check traffic conditions before setting off.

"If you're travelling over one of the closure weekends, make sure your vehicle is ready for the journey, keep fuel levels topped up and take regular breaks if delays mean you're on the road for longer than planned."