An emergency road closure is in force on a major Staffordshire route, causing significant disruption for motorists. The northbound carriageway of the A5 has been shut for urgent re-surfacing work following the discovery of serious infrastructure defects.
Location and Duration of the Closure
The closure affects the A5 northbound between the A453 junction at Bassetts Pole and the M6 Toll/A38 interchange at Weeford. The shutdown was implemented late on Monday, January 12, 2026.
National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for England's motorways and major A-roads, has stated that the closure is likely to remain in place for several hours. The operation is described as an emergency re-surfacing project necessary to address the identified defects and ensure the safety and integrity of the road surface.
Impact on Traffic and Travel
This unscheduled closure on a key transport artery is expected to cause considerable delays for evening and overnight travel. The A5 is a vital route connecting the Midlands, and the northbound closure will force drivers to seek alternative paths.
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area if possible and to plan for extended journey times. Traffic is likely to be diverted onto surrounding local roads, potentially causing congestion in nearby communities. Drivers should check live traffic reports before setting out.
Ongoing Situation and Updates
National Highways has confirmed this is a live, ongoing incident. They have pledged to provide further updates as the re-surfacing operation progresses and more information becomes available regarding the expected reopening time.
The emergency work underscores the critical nature of maintaining the region's road network. Such infrastructure defects, if left unaddressed, can pose risks to road user safety and lead to more extensive, long-term closures.
