All lanes on the M5 have now reopened following extensive overnight repairs after a caravan fire caused significant damage to the road surface. The incident occurred earlier this week, leading to the closure of several lanes between junctions 4 and 5 near Birmingham.
Fire Incident Details
The caravan fire broke out on the northbound carriageway, resulting in intense heat that damaged the asphalt and safety barriers. Emergency services attended the scene, and the fire was extinguished, but the road required immediate structural assessment and repairs.
Overnight Repair Works
Highways England engineers worked through the night to resurface the damaged sections and replace safety barriers. The works were completed ahead of schedule, minimising disruption for morning commuters. A spokesperson said, "We appreciate motorists' patience while we carried out these essential repairs to ensure the safety of all road users."
Traffic Impact and Reopening
During the closures, traffic was diverted via local routes, causing delays of up to 30 minutes. However, by early morning, all restrictions were lifted, and the motorway returned to normal operation. National Highways advised drivers to check live traffic updates before travelling.
Safety Reminder
Authorities have reminded drivers to ensure their vehicles are well-maintained, especially when carrying items like caravans. Fire services confirmed the cause of the blaze is under investigation but there were no injuries reported.
