Heads-up, Burton: A38 Southbound Closure Coming In March

If the A38 is part of your daily routine (and let’s be honest, for many of us it is), this is one to pop in the diary now.

The A38 will be closed in both directions near Lichfield from Friday 27 March to Wednesday 8 April 2026 as part of major HS2 bridge works at Streethay. That’s almost two weeks without one of Staffordshire’s busiest roads south of Burton. It's also worth mentioning that these are only 'estimated' start and end dates so actual dates may differ slightly.

What does this mean for Burton drivers?

The good news first:

• Travelling north from Burton on the A38? You’re absolutely fine. Business as usual.
  
  

The not-so-good news:

• Travelling south from Burton upon Trent on the A38 beyond Lichfield? You won’t be able to. The road will be completely closed in both directions between Swinfen Interchange and Hilliard’s Cross.

This closure is needed so contractors can realign the A38 and switch traffic onto a newly built section of road, allowing the HS2 railway to pass underneath. It’s important work – but it will cause disruption.

Our friendly advice: plan ahead and avoid the A38 south 🚗

If you usually head south for work, deliveries or appointments, now is the time to:

• Plan alternative routes

• Allow extra journey time

• Avoid the A38 south of Burton altogether during the closure

Local roads around Lichfield are expected to be very busy, so even “short cuts” may not be as quick as hoped. Sat-navs will help, but they’ll also be helping everyone else… so patience will be required (deep breaths encouraged).

Here is the official HS2 page that discussed the closure: https://www.hs2.org.uk/work-items/a38-proposed-work-at-streethay/

How long will this last?

• Start: Friday 27 March 2026

• End: Wednesday 8 April 2026

Once the A38 reopens, further works will continue nearby, but the main carriageway should be back in action.

While no one ever welcomes a road closure, a little planning now should help avoid frustration later. If your journeys usually take you south of Burton on the A38, it’s well worth sorting a Plan B before the cones arrive.

We’ll continue to share reminders and updates as the dates get closer - but for now, consider this your polite nudge to steer clear, stay flexible, and let someone else test the traffic for a change.

Chris Towland

InBurton Insider