National Highways closed the M54 in both directions overnight after injured animals were reported on the carriageway near Telford and Wellington. The motorway was shut between junction 6 (Telford) and junction 7 (Wellington) from around 5:20am on Saturday, August 29, and reopened approximately 45 minutes later at 6am.
In a statement posted on X at 5:11am, a National Highways spokesperson said: “M54 in both directions between J6 (Telford) and J7 (Wellington). Both carriageways are closed due to injured animals in the road. There are no significant delays on the approach.”
Police Response and Road Closure Details
West Mercia Police officers were dispatched to the scene after the alert was raised. Authorities did not disclose how many animals were involved or how they were injured. Traffic was initially held for 10 minutes before the full closure was implemented at 5:20am.
The motorway was fully reopened around 6am without creating any congestion, according to National Highways. A follow-up update confirmed: “M54 in both directions between J6 (Telford) and J7 (Wellington) — Both carriageways have reopened. There are no significant delays on the approach.”
Location and Local Impact
The affected stretch of the M54 runs directly south of the Wellington suburbs of Ercall and Arleston. Junction 6 connects the motorway to the A5223, the main road through Telford itself. The closure lasted approximately 45 minutes and caused no significant disruption to early morning traffic.
