Emergency services have launched a major operation in Birmingham after a significant gas leak forced the complete closure of the A45, one of the city's busiest transport routes. The incident has created travel chaos for thousands of commuters during the Wednesday morning rush hour.
Critical Incident Declared
West Midlands Police confirmed they were called to the A45 near Stonebridge Highway at approximately 7:30 AM following reports of a substantial gas leak. The potentially dangerous situation prompted immediate road closures in both directions between the A452 Chester Road and M42 Junction 6.
All emergency services are currently on scene, including multiple fire engines, police units, and gas emergency response teams from Cadent Gas. The coordinated effort is focused on containing the leak and ensuring public safety.
Widespread Travel Disruption
The closure has created a domino effect across Birmingham's road network, with significant congestion reported on alternative routes including:
- A41 Chester Road
- A452
- Local roads through Sheldon and Yardley
- Approaches to Birmingham Airport
National Highways has issued a severe traffic alert, warning motorists to avoid the area completely and seek alternative routes for their journeys.
Safety Measures Implemented
As a precautionary measure, authorities have established a safety cordon around the immediate area. While initial reports suggest no immediate threat to surrounding properties, emergency services are monitoring air quality and prepared to implement evacuations if necessary.
A spokesperson for Cadent Gas stated: "Our engineers are working urgently to isolate and repair the damaged gas main. Public safety remains our absolute priority during this operation."
Commuters Facing Lengthy Delays
The timing of the incident during peak commuting hours has exacerbated the situation, with some motorists reporting being stuck in traffic for over two hours. Public transport services have also been affected, with several bus routes being diverted around the closure zone.
Local businesses near the closure have reported disruption to deliveries and staff arrivals, with many employees unable to reach their workplaces on time.
What Travelers Need to Know
Authorities have advised that the A45 is likely to remain closed for several hours while repair work continues. Motorists are being urged to:
- Avoid the area entirely if possible
- Allow significant extra time for journeys
- Check live traffic updates before traveling
- Consider working from home if feasible
The emergency services have not provided an estimated time for when the road might reopen, stating that the situation remains "fluid and potentially hazardous" until the gas leak is fully contained and repaired.
