The A46 has reopened earlier than planned following HS2's works to install a new bridge.

Closed since April 11, the dual carriageway reopened last night (April 29).

However, the road around Stoneleigh is reduced to two lanes and will be until the end of July.

The speed limit was expected to reduce to 50mph around the new bridge, but will remain at the national speed limit.

The A46 was expected to reopen on Thursday 1 May, but HS2 operatives told Nub News there was a chance it could reopen early.

Works have seen the carriageway removed, a 14,5000 tonne box bridge structure slid into place, and the road rebuilt over it.

The bridge will eventually enable the high speed rail line to pass under the road.

The 14,500 tonne strucutre slid under the A46 Kenilworth Bypass (images Nadia Sayed)

advertisement

National Highways Regional Director, Victoria Lazenby, praised the efficiency of the project and said: "Thank you to everybody in the local area and road users for your patience as these essential works have been carried out.

"When the roads open, the A46 will operate as it did previously, but with a new structure underneath.

"What has been great about this project is that HS2 managed to complete it over a 19-day closure, rather than what we were anticipating could have been years of disruption.

"We've worked closely with HS2 to minimise the impact for road users and neighbours, and it's great to see it come to fruition."