The M42 southbound in Worcestershire remained closed this morning after the motorway was shut for more than eight hours overnight due to a police incident. National Highways West Midlands said delays were building with queues of around three miles and an estimated half-an-hour wait southbound, while northbound traffic faced ten-minute delays over four miles.
Overnight closure and diversion advice
The motorway was initially closed in both directions between junctions three and two, near Redditch, just before 10.20pm on Thursday night. Lanes on the northbound carriageway reopened in the early hours, but the southbound route stayed shut and was not expected to reopen before the peak morning rush hour.
Road users were advised to follow the hollow square diversion symbol on road signs. Traffic was released after a couple of hours while a police investigation was launched at approximately 1am.
Police investigation underway
The reason for the closure was said to have been an accident, according to data service provider Inrix. West Mercia Police and National Highways traffic officers were reported to be on scene.
A National Highways spokesperson confirmed the road would be closed for a 'prolonged' period. The spokesperson said: "Police investigations are now underway and will continue throughout the night. This is expected to be a prolonged closure while the investigations are completed."
Impact on morning travel
West Mercia Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service have been approached for comment. Commuters using the M42 southbound near Redditch should expect significant delays and plan alternative routes until the road reopens.
