Traffic Alert: Multi-vehicle accident gridlocks M6 near Birmingham

6.45pm Update

All lanes southbound are now clear following the earlier accident but while queues are easing, there are still reports of long delays in the area.

The situation is not being helped by a broken down coach between junctions 9 (Wednesbury) and 8 (the exit for the M5).

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4.30pm Update

Normal conditions are now not expected to return until after 8pm following the earlier accident southbound.

One lane is open but there are long delays back beyond junction 10 (Walsall). Delays of up to 90 minutes against normal traffic times are being predicted.

The situation is now compounded by a serious fire on the northbound carriageway between junctions 4 (Coventry) and 4a (the connection with the M42).

With the rush-hour approaching the situation is expected to get worse before its gets better.

Drivers travelling north between junctions 5 (Castle Bromwich) and 6 (A38) are also facing delays of around 20 minutes against normal travel times.

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3.30pm

All lanes are reported to be temporarily blocked on the M6 southbound between junction 7 (Great Barr) and 6 (A38/Birmingham city centre) following a multi-vehicle collision.

One vehicle is understood to have crossed the central reservation.

There are already reports of long delays in the area and Highways England has said normal traffic conditions are unlikely to return until, 6.30pm.