A lorry shed its load on the M6 near Birmingham this morning, causing severe delays for motorists. The incident took place on the northbound carriageway between junction 6 for the A38 and junction 7 for the A34, leading to miles of congestion.
Incident Details
The lorry lost its load of construction materials around 7:30 am, scattering debris across all three lanes. Emergency services including Highways England traffic officers and West Midlands Police were quickly on the scene. According to a Highways England spokesperson, "The load came off the vehicle and spilled onto the carriageway, blocking all lanes. We are working to clear the debris as safely and quickly as possible."
Impact on Traffic
Traffic backed up for approximately eight miles, with delays of up to two hours. Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes, with diversions put in place via the A38 and A34. National Highways reported that the average speed on the affected stretch dropped to below 10 mph. By midday, two lanes had been reopened, but residual delays remained.
Response and Clearance
Clearing the load required specialist equipment and a crane to remove large concrete blocks. The driver of the lorry was not injured. A West Midlands Police spokesperson said, "Thankfully no one was hurt, but the incident caused significant disruption. We urge drivers to ensure their loads are secure before setting off."
Advice for Motorists
Drivers are advised to check traffic updates before traveling and allow extra time. National Highways recommends using the M42 or A38 as alternative routes. The incident is expected to cause residual delays into the evening rush hour.
