Major M42 Delays After Three-Vehicle Collision Blocks Motorway Near Birmingham Airport
Drivers are experiencing significant disruption on the M42 motorway following a serious collision involving three vehicles near Birmingham Airport. The incident has resulted in substantial delays and congestion during a busy period for travellers.
Lane Closures and Traffic Impact
National Highways England has confirmed that two out of three lanes are currently closed on the M42 southbound between Junction 7 for the M6 and Junction 6 serving Birmingham Airport and the NEC. This double lane closure has created approximately three miles of congestion, with motorists facing delays exceeding thirty minutes.
Emergency services are actively managing the scene, with recovery operations underway to clear the vehicles involved in the collision. Traffic monitoring provider Inrix reported queueing traffic extending from J7 M6 J4 at Coleshill to J6 A45 Coventry Road, affecting access to both Birmingham Airport and Coventry routes.
Ongoing Incident Management
The collision, described as involving at least three cars, occurred during a period of typical traffic flow, exacerbating travel difficulties for commuters and airport users alike. Authorities have urged drivers to seek alternative routes where possible and to allow extra journey time when travelling through the affected area.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of key transport corridors to sudden disruptions and the importance of real-time traffic information for motorists navigating the West Midlands road network.
