Drivers faced up to 70-minute delays on the M6 today after an oil and fuel spillage close to Spaghetti Junction closed every lane. National Highways West Midlands reported that the incident caused seven miles of tailbacks on the northbound carriageway from J5 A452 Chester Road for Castle Bromwich to J6 A38 Tyburn Road.
Incident details: broken-down vehicle and spillage
A broken-down vehicle was also part of the same incident. Traffic data monitor Inrix posted: "Long delays and three lanes closed due to broken down vehicle, oil spillage and fuel spillage on M6 Northbound from J5 A452 Chester Road (Castle Bromwich) to J6 A38 Tyburn Road (Spaghetti Junction). Lanes one, two and three (of three) are closed."
National Highways West Midlands clarified that lanes 1, 2 and 3 (of 4) were closed due to a diesel and oil spillage from an HGV. "Service providers have been requested to attend the scene. A hydro blaster has also been requested," they added.
Impact on traffic and motorists
The closure led to severe congestion across the Birmingham area, with motorists experiencing significant delays during peak hours. The seven-mile queue stretched back to junction 5, affecting routes to Castle Bromwich and beyond. Recovery and cleaning operations were underway, but no estimated time for full reopening was provided.
This incident comes amid ongoing roadworks and traffic management schemes in the region, adding to frustrations for commuters. Local authorities advised drivers to seek alternative routes, such as using the A38 or local roads, until the spillage was cleared.
National Highways reminded drivers to reduce speed and exercise caution when approaching the scene. The spillage was contained to the carriageway, and no injuries were reported. Further updates were promised as the situation developed.
