A46 Kenilworth Bypass Reopens After Major HS2 Works

The A46 near Kenilworth in Warwickshire has reopened earlier than planned following an 18-day closure for HS2 construction, during which a 14,500-tonne concrete box was installed beneath the road to allow high-speed rail passage. While two lanes are now open in both directions with a 50mph speed limit, single-lane closures will remain until July to complete further works on the central reservation and wingwalls. The innovative box slide method was chosen to minimize long-term disruption, but the closure and associated diversion routes caused significant inconvenience for local residents and businesses, leading to extended commutes and impacts on local trade. HS2 and Highways Agency officials expressed pride in the project's engineering achievements and thanked the public for their patience during the disruption. Residents reported difficulties with traffic, HGV navigation on small streets, and pedestrian safety during the closure. Full normal traffic flow is anticipated to resume by the end of July once remaining works are completed.