HS2 tunnel planned under M6 motorway

The HS2 train line is likely to run through a tunnel under the M6 in Castle Bromwich.

The company behind the high-speed rail line suggest this option would cause less disruption to one of the busiest parts of the Birmingham area road network.

HS2 Ltd has said the tunnel would run between Castle Bromwich Business Park and the eastern edge of Washwood Heath.

The original proposal involved using the existing Derby to Birmingham railway line before running under the M6 Bromford Viaduct.

This would have involved “major remodelling” of roads and diverting the River Tame, the company said.

HS2 Ltd chief executive Alison Munro said the tunnel is its preferred option because it is “less complex in engineering terms”.

“[The tunnel] would avoid the loss of local community facilities including school playing fields and social clubs including Bromford Residents’ Club and Bromford Neighbourhood Office,” she said.

The the original plans required moving the River Tame south, building flood defences and relocating National Grid power lines and pylons.

It also required rebuilding the junction between the A47 and Heartlands Parkway and the re-alignment of part of Chester Road.

Work on the he high speed line between London and the West Midlands is expected to start in 2016 with a completion date of 2026.