Traffic Alert: Long delays to motorway after accident closes exit

5.30pm Update

QUEUES in the area have eased following the re-opening of the M5 southbound link but there is still congestion approaching the roadworks between junctions 8 and 7.

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MOTORISTS using the M6 through Staffordshire and the Black Country have been warned of long delays following a serious accident.

Delays on the southbound carriageway are currently stretching back to Junction 11 (Cannock) because of the accident, which closed the southbound link to the M5 (Junction 8).

Recovery of the lorry involved in the accident has been completed and Highways England has said the lanes which were closed have now been re-opened.

Nevertheless, it has warned of delays of anything up to an hour and that the situation will not return to normal until around 7pm.

The accident is compounding problems due to the roadworks currently affecting the stretch of motorway between junctions 8 and 7 (Great Barr).

Motorists heading home have been advised to plan ahead and avoid the area if possible, while people should also allow extra time for their journeys.