Traffic Alert: M6 facing two and a half hour delays following serious accident

12.30pm Update:

Restrictions have been lifted on the M6 southbound following a multiple vehicle accident earlier today between Junctions 5 (Castle Bromwich) and 4a (M42) and traffic is slowly starting to return to normal.

There may be residual congestion in the area but Highways England has said this should clear quickly.

The motorway was closed for a time to allow for a clean-up of a spillage following the crash but recovery and repairs are now complete.

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Motorists travelling south on the M6 through Birmingham are being warned of delays of up to two and a half hours to their journeys following a serious accident.

Two lanes are currently closed close to Junction 5 (Castle Bromwich) following a multi-vehicle crash between 5 and 4a (M42) and delays are stretching back to Junction 9 (Wednesbury).

The entry slip road at Junction 5 is also closed.

Highways England has warned the situation is unlikely to clear until around midday and drivers have been advised to seek alternative routes and to allow additional time for their journeys.