Major new highways projects for HS2 to be discussed by councillors
By Sam Greenway - Local Democracy Reporter 4th Apr 2024
Major new highways projects between Solihull, Balsall Common and Coventry have been revealed as HS2 continues to take shape.
New bridges, a dual-carriageway and roundabout are part of the latest plans announced for the building of the high speed rail link connecting to a HS2 Interchange Station near Birmingham Airport.
The plans are to be discussed by Solihull Metropolitan Council this week.
The five schemes are:
An overbridge at B4101 Waste Lane
The proposed new bridge would take Waste Lane, which is one of the roads which connects Balsall Common to Coventry, over the HS2 line.
Council officers say the bridge would be constructed immediately to the north of the existing Waste Lane alignment.
"The scheme will include connections to the realigned Kenilworth Greenway and include additional space for future cycle and walking facilities," they add.
An overbridge at Lavender Hall Lane
The proposed bridge would see Lavender Hall Lane, which connects Coventry, Berkswell and Balsall Common, run over the HS2 line.
The proposal is for the bridge to be north of the existing road alignment and "include additional space for future cycling and walking facilities".
A new roundabout and dual carriageway at A452 Kenilworth Road
Significant changes are proposed to the A452 Kenilworth Road between Stonebridge and Balsall Common.
It is proposed, north of Bradnocks Marsh Lane, a realignment would see a new roundabout and dual-carriageway taking the A452 over the HS2 railway line to the east of the road's existing alignment.
Council officers add: "Scheme to include new horse/pedestrian crossing just northeast of the new roundabout and new walking and cycling improvements."
Overbridge at Diddington Lane
Another road proposed for realignment is Diddington Lane which runs between Hampton in Arden and Stonebridge.
The changes would see Diddington Lane run on a bridge over the HS2 line. The proposal adds: "Scheme to include new bridleway connections".
Underbridge at Coleshill Heath Road
At Coleshill Heath Road, which is between the north of Birmingham Airport and Coleshill, HS2 is proposed to run over the road.
It is proposed to have new side road access to the HS2 private maintenance tracks.
And there is a proposal for "wider space for future improved cycling and walking facilities, which are currently constrained due to the space available over the adjacent M42 overbridge".
Council officers say proposals have been developed after talks with the authority's highways and planning teams over the last few years and all five follow approved HS2 design standards.
The highways projects are set to be discussed by Solihull Council's cabinet on Thursday (April 4) with plans set to be submitted for final approval in the next three months.
The council is likely to delegate authority to council officers to make the decision on the applications.
Council officers also recommend the cabinet agrees to receive a further report detailing the proposed layout for the A45 Stonebridge junction – expected to be the final HS2 major highway scheme.
HS2 is planned to open before 2033 and would run from London to Birmingham.
Last year it was announced the government was scrapping the northern leg of HS2.
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