National Highways has issued a stark warning to motorists to brace for significant delays after a major A-road was forced to close in both directions due to severe flooding. The incident has caused substantial traffic chaos in the West Midlands, particularly affecting access to a key regional airport.
Road Closure Details and Impact
The A4545, a crucial arterial route, is currently shut in both directions. The closure is in effect between the M42 junction at Solihull and the A45, which serves Birmingham Airport. This strategic location means the disruption is severely impacting a high volume of traffic, including travellers heading to the airport terminal and employees commuting to surrounding business parks.
Heavy, persistent rainfall across the region is the primary cause of the flooding that necessitated this emergency closure. The standing water has rendered the road impassable, posing a safety risk to vehicles and drivers.
Emergency Response and Clearance Efforts
In response to the crisis, specialist contractors have been deployed to the site. They are utilising heavy-duty pumping and clearance equipment in an effort to remove the floodwater and make the road safe for reopening. National Highways has confirmed that teams are working as quickly as possible, but no estimated time for the road reopening has been provided at this stage.
The closure is expected to cause long tailbacks and alternative routes are likely to be congested. Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the area if possible and to allow extra time for their journeys. Real-time traffic updates are being provided by National Highways and local travel information services.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of transport infrastructure to extreme weather events and the widespread disruption that can result from the closure of a major road near critical hubs like an international airport.
