The M5 northbound in Worcestershire has been closed following a jack-knifed lorry that spilled diesel across all lanes, leading to ten-mile tailbacks and delays of up to 90 minutes for motorists near Birmingham.
Incident Details
The crash occurred shortly before 4pm on Friday, July 3, between Junction 5 for Bromsgrove and Droitwich and Junction 4a, which links with the M42 around the south of Birmingham. A heavy goods vehicle jack-knifed, blocking the carriageway and causing a significant fuel spill.
National Highways West Midlands confirmed the closure, stating: “The M5 is closed northbound between J5 (Droitwich) and J4a (M42) following a collision, resulting in a large diesel spill covering all lanes. Emergency services are on scene. There are currently delays of up to 45 minutes above normal journey time.” However, as the rush hour progressed, delays escalated dramatically, with some motorists reporting 90-minute hold-ups.
Diversion Route
National Highways has implemented a diversion for northbound traffic. Road users are advised to follow the Solid Diamond diversion symbol on road signs: exit the M5 at J5 and take the third exit onto the A38 northbound, continue to the M5 J4 via M42 J1, then take the third exit to rejoin the M5 northbound at J4.
In a statement, National Highways added: “Shortly after 3pm National Highways were alerted to a collision involving a Heavy Goods Vehicle on the northbound carriageway. As a result the Heavy Goods Vehicle has also split its fuel tank spilling diesel across all lanes. Emergency services are currently on scene being assisted by National Highways Traffic Officers and resources with specialist cleaning equipment has been requested to scene. Traffic within the closure is currently being released past the scene in 1 lane. The closure is expected to remain in place for several hours as clean-up work and complex recovery work will be required.”
Impact and Advice
The closure has caused rush-hour chaos, with ten miles of tailbacks stretching back from the scene. Motorists are advised to allow extra journey time or consider delaying travel. National Highways said: “If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
For updates, the public can contact National Highways via their regional X feed or call the 24/7 contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
