M6 motorists set for more misery as key junction shuts until the summer

MOTORISTS using the busy M6 through Birmingham are set for further disruption from today as a key junction is closed until the summer.

The Junction 5 southbound entry slip road at Castle Bromwich will be under a 24/7 closure until early summer, Highways England has said.

The northbound exit slip road will also be closed overnight only from tonight (Monday) until January 18 to allow for repairs to a damaged barrier. The closures will be from 8pm to 6am each night.

With the junction a key access for local traffic heading for Birmingham Airport and the NEC then the impact of the work could be severe, as well as for the beleaguered motorists who travel the vital stretch of motorway each day and have endured endless delays from long-term roadworks elsewhere on the route through Birmingham and beyond.

Mark Collins, Highways England, Project Manager said: “This work is part of essential maintenance to ensure the road remains safe which is the top priority for us.

“These improvements will help to maintain structural integrity of the viaduct by reducing deterioration and minimising the number of emergency repairs required in future.”

He said the diversion routes had been considered in liaison with the various local authorities in order to minimise disruption as much as possible for motorists.

This scheme is part of Highways England’s long term programme of investment to improve the key route.

Alternative routes for northbound and southbound drivers are:
•    A38 through Minworth to M42 junction 9 for M42 northbound and southbound travel.
•    A38 to M6 junction 6 for M6 northbound and southbound travel.