South Warwickshire locals are preparing for three weeks of disruption as HS2's long-awaited closure of the A46 gets underway next month.

The dual carriageway will be shut between Stivichall Interchange (Coventry) to the Thickthorn Island (A452 for Leamington and Kenilworth) from 8pm on Friday 11 April until 6am Thursday 1 May 2025.

The A46 has already been closed for two weekends this year, for preparatory works ahead of next month.

The road will shut near Kenilworth for 19 days to allow HS2 install a new bridge to allow the rail line to pass under the road.

The process will start with the existing road surface being removed and the embankment underneath being cleared.

The A46 will close in both directions for 19 days in April (image via HS2)

The bridge - which has been built alongside the A46 over the past few months - will then be slid into place.

Once the bridge is installed, contractors will complete drainage works and build a new road surface.

The road will then be resurface and HS2 will "assess and inspect" the new bridge and highway surfacing before re-opening the bypass.

Afterwards there will be lane closures on the north and southbound carriageways with a speed restriction of 50mph until Thursday 31 July.

HS2 has also said building the bridge alongside the road has saved two years' worth of disruption.

The new bridge has been built alongside the A46 (image via HS2)

The high speed rail developer will also be holding a "contingency" window for the works "in case of an unforeseen event".

"We will be pushing a new box structure to take the HS2 line under the A46 near Kenilworth," an HS2 statement said.

"Once the box is slid into place, we will complete the remaining works; resurface the carriageway, reinstate the white lines and safety barriers ready to reopen the A46.

"While we deliver the works there will be increased construction activity, 24/7 operation, overnight lighting and some additional noise.

"We will minimise the impact on residents as much as possible."

The extent of the A46 closure and the HGV diversion (image via HS2)

A fully signposted diversion for HGVs and a local diversion will be in place as well as "special access arrangements" for the villages of Stoneleigh and Ashow.

The contingency window in case of a delay is booked for 8pm on Friday 16 May to 6am on Thursday 5 June.

See more here.