Incident Details
A lorry shed its load of steel bars on the M6 southbound near Spaghetti Junction early this morning, July 27, prompting an overnight closure. The incident occurred at approximately 7am between Junction 6 and Junction 5 (Castle Bromwich). National Highways reported that the steel bars became detached from the trailer, scattering across the carriageway. Photographs showed the lorry cab at a 90-degree angle, with metal bars resting against its rear.
Cleanup and Traffic Impact
Crews from National Highways were dispatched to remove the steel bars and recover the vehicle. Multiple lane closures were implemented, resulting in severe congestion. Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported that all lanes had reopened by 3pm, but warned of ongoing delays. Inrix stated: "Load has been stabilised, however, motorway will be closed overnight to remove the lorry from hard shoulder." The closure is expected to affect southbound traffic between Junction 6 and Junction 5.
Overnight Closure Details
The M6 southbound will be closed overnight to safely recover the lorry. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes via the A38(M) or A452. The steel bars caused a hazardous situation, and cleanup crews worked throughout the day to secure the load. National Highways confirmed that the incident caused miles of tailbacks, with delays lasting several hours. The exact number of steel bars has not been disclosed, but images showed multiple bars on the tarmac.
This incident highlights the dangers of unsecured loads on motorways. Authorities urge drivers to ensure cargo is properly fastened before travelling. The M6 near Spaghetti Junction is a key route, and any disruption can have widespread effects on traffic.
