Traffic Alert: Motorists warned of summer of misery as road closures take effect
Drivers have been braced to expect a series of disruptions to major routes in and around Birmingham and the Black Country as a programme of summer roadworks begins to take effect.
Continuing maintenance work on the A38 (M) Aston Expressway will result in a series of weekend closures to the road – the main route in and out of Birmingham from the M6.
In addition, motorists using the busy section of the M5 between Oldbury and West Bromwich have been warned of further disruption due to a new contraflow being introduced on the viaduct section.
Highways England said the closures to the A38 (M) were necessary because of continuing repair work to Spaghetti Junction, which will go on throughout the summer.
The programme of works is:
Daytimes from July 14 –
• The tidal flow lane on the A38(M) (controlled by electronic overhead signs) will be closed.
• Narrow lanes will be in effect on A38(M) with a 30mph speed limit for safety reasons.
• The Park Circus on sliproad will remain open.
• Salford Circus will remain open.
Weekend closures –
• The A38(M) Aston Expressway will be closed for seven consecutive weekends from today (Friday). The closures will apply from 8pm Fridays to 6am Mondays. During these closures it will not be possible to get on or off the M6 at Junction 6.
• The final weekend will be the August Bank Holiday (August 25-28).
• No traffic will be able to access the Expressway to either enter or leave Birmingham during these closures
The work has been scheduled because historically, this is the quietest time of the year with many people on holiday.
The M5 viaduct at Oldbury
Since Easter, Highways England has been carrying out roadworks on the viaduct section of the M5 between junctions 1 and 2. This is in preparation for a major concrete repair and waterproofing scheme.
From early August there will be a contraflow system in operation along the section. Southbound traffic will be diverted onto the northbound carriageway, with two lanes in each direction and a 30mph speed limit.
There will also be changes at key junctions in the region, including at M6 Junction 8 southbound and M5 Junction 4a northbound. This is to increase capacity for the suggested M42/M6 alternative route and reduce the amount of traffic heading towards the roadworks.
Highways England said: “We understand this may not be welcome news, but this is needed to manage the volume of traffic through this busy part of the network. It will also reduce the potential impact on local roads.”
