Drivers across the West Midlands are facing significant delays on the M5 and M6 motorways today, Saturday, as the late Summer Bank Holiday weekend begins. Multiple lane closures have been reported, with obstructions causing slow traffic on both carriageways.
The northbound section of the M5 is partially blocked between Junction 2, Oldbury, and Junction 1, West Bromwich, due to an obstruction on the road. Traffic monitoring service Inrix reported: "M5 northbound partially blocked, slow traffic due to obstruction on the road between J2 A4123 Wolverhampton Road (Oldbury / Dudley) and J1 A4252 Kenrick Way (West Bromwich / Birmingham)."
M6 Northbound Obstruction
Similarly, the M6 northbound is partially blocked between Junction 3, Coventry, and Junction 4, Colehill, also due to an obstruction. Inrix stated: "M6 northbound partially blocked, slow traffic due to obstruction on the road from J3 A444 Bedworth Bypass (Nuneaton / Coventry) to J4 M42 J7 (Coleshill)."
Slow traffic has been reported on both carriageways, with drivers facing delays on a wet Saturday. The weather conditions may be exacerbating the situation, as rain reduces visibility and road grip, potentially contributing to the obstructions.
Additional Delays on M6 Southbound
Elsewhere, there are delays on the M6 southbound just before Junction 8, which is the interchange for the M5. This adds to the congestion affecting the region's motorway network during the busy holiday travel period.
Recovery work has also taken place following an earlier breakdown on the M5 northbound between Junction 5, Droitwich, and Junction 4a for the M42. While that incident appears to have been cleared, the residual effects may still be felt by drivers in the area.
With the Bank Holiday weekend underway, motorists are advised to check live traffic updates before setting out and to allow extra time for their journeys, particularly on the M5 and M6 corridors through the West Midlands.
