Holidaymakers and travellers heading to Birmingham Airport are being urged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys today, following a significant road closure caused by heavy flooding in the region.
Road Closure Details and Impact
The A4545 is currently closed in both directions between the M42 and A45, a key route serving Birmingham Airport. This closure is a direct result of severe flooding that has affected the carriageway, necessitating the use of specialist equipment to clear the accumulated water.
Timeline of the Incident
National Highways West Midlands first announced the closure just before 9pm on Saturday, February 7, via social media platform X. A spokesperson posted: "The #A4545 is closed in both directions between #M42 (near, #Solihull) and #A45 (@bhx_official) due to flooding. Specialist equipment is en route to clear the flood water."
The agency issued a reminder of the ongoing situation at 4.11am on Sunday, February 8, stating: "**Reminder** The #A4545 remains closed in both directions between #M42 (near, #Solihull) and #A45 (@bhx_official) due to flooding. Specialist contractors are working at the scene to clear the flood water from the carriageway."
Current Status and Advice for Travellers
As of the latest updates, there has been no further communication from National Highways regarding when the road might reopen. The closure is expected to cause considerable disruption, particularly for those accessing Birmingham Airport, which is a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Travellers are strongly advised to:
- Check live traffic updates before setting out.
- Consider alternative routes to the airport, such as using other major roads like the M6 or local diversions.
- Allow additional travel time to account for potential delays and congestion in the area.
- Monitor official sources, including National Highways and Birmingham Airport's social media channels, for real-time information.
This incident highlights the broader challenges posed by extreme weather events to transport infrastructure in the West Midlands. Local authorities and emergency services are likely coordinating efforts to manage the situation and minimise impact on the public.
