> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Councillor warns diversion route for closure of A38 in Lichfield is not suitable - URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillor-warns-diversion-route-for-closure-of-a38-in-lichfield-is-not-suitable/ - Published: 2026-01-22T08:10:12.000Z - Updated: 2026-01-22T08:10:33.000Z - Description: A councillor says a diversion route planned for use during an 11-day closure of the A38 in Lichfield is not suitable. - Author: Lichfield Live - Tags: HS2, Politics, Transport, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:11, News A COUNCILLOR says a diversion route planned for use during the closure of the A38 in Lichfield is not suitable. HS2 works will see the key route shut in both directions from Swinfen Interchange to Hilliard’s Cross from 27th March to 7th April. The closure is to allow the realignment of the A38 following the construction of bridge at Streethay which will ensure the high speed rail line can pass beneath the carriageway. Diversion routes will see vehicles using Wood End Lane, the A515, A51 and A5026 – and they will remain in place for 12 months afterwards while the northbound slip road to the A38 at Streethay remains shut. But Cllr Richard Cox, cabinet member for community and public protection at Lichfield District Council, said highways chiefs needed to block the proposals given they utilise roads no longer being upgraded as part of the wider HS2 project. > “This route between Wood End Lane and the A515 Tewnals Lane is not suitable for additional vehicles. Using it raises the probability of vehicle collisions when it must be considered that the volume of HGVs currently using Wood End Lane as access and egress to Fradley Park. > > “HS2 originally had an undertaking to straighten and widen Wood End Lane, however this scheme is now very doubtful as Phase 1 has been paused for a further four years and Phase 2a has been cancelled. > > “The Government, HS2 Ltd and Staffordshire County Council will not commit to the project to upgrade Wood End Lane, but the issues have not diminished and yet HS2 now want to use it for a diversion. > > “It is unacceptable or thinkable to use an inadequate road like Wood End Lane for diverting traffic off A38 north and southbound. > > “I urge the county council to refuse and not to give authority to this proposed diversion until Wood End Lane is widened and straightened has originally proposed.” HS2 say alternative routes have been “carefully planned” to “help keep traffic moving safely” during the closures. A spokesperson said: > “While some disruption is expected, routes have been developed to help manage journey times as effectively as possible. > > “To reduce the impact on local communities, diversions have been designed to keep long-distance and logistics traffic on strategic routes wherever possible, avoiding local roads. > > “All diversion routes will be clearly signposted.” The work takes place amid long-term certainty over the HS2 project. Although the second phase was cancelled, the first stage links with the West Coast Main Line at Handsacre. But the development of a large stretch of the route has now been pushed back. HS2 Ltd explained: > “To deliver HS2 as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, the project is being reset. > > “The Government has supported this with a multi-year financial settlement, giving us the stability to review costs and schedules and provide taxpayers, a clear picture of the final cost and timeline. > > “In March 2023, works between Curdworth in North Warwickshire and Handsacre in Staffordshire were deferred. This pause has now been extended by four years so we can focus effort on opening the first section of HS2 between Old Oak Common in West London and Birmingham. > > “During 2026, we will be carrying out essential construction work in the Staffordshire area, including significant activity to complete the realignment of the A38. > > “We will continue to maintain and secure all work sites to ensure safety and minimise disruption.”