Drivers on the M6 northbound near Birmingham Airport are experiencing severe delays of up to 90 minutes following a lorry fire earlier this morning, August 7. The incident occurred between Junction 4, which serves Birmingham Airport, and Junction 6, causing significant congestion stretching nine miles.
Birmingham Airport (BHX) has issued a warning to passengers, urging them to allow extra time for their journeys to and from the airport. A spokesperson for the airport posted on social media platform X: "Allow extra time if you're travelling to and from Birmingham Airport."
Incident Details and Emergency Response
The lorry caught fire on the northbound carriageway, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. National Highways West Midlands reported: "Traffic is stopped on the M6 northbound in the West Midlands between J4, Birmingham Airport and J6, Birmingham, due to a HGV fire. West Midlands Fire Service is working at the scene. Current delays of up to 90 minutes on the approach, with nine miles of congestion."
The traffic monitoring service Inrix provided further details: "Long delays and two lanes closed due to vehicle fire on M6 northbound from J4 to J5. Lanes one and two remain closed." This indicates that the fire has affected the road surface, requiring lane closures for safety and investigation.
Impact on Travelers and Airport Operations
The delays are causing significant disruption for motorists, particularly those heading to Birmingham Airport for flights. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for any potential impacts on flight schedules, although the airport has not yet reported any flight cancellations or delays directly attributed to the road incident.
Local authorities are working to manage the situation, with West Midlands Fire Service on site to extinguish the blaze and assess any damage. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation is likely to follow once the scene is made safe.
Alternative Routes and Advice
Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes where possible, such as using the A45 or A452 to bypass the affected stretch of the M6. National Highways has advised drivers to expect delays and to plan their journeys accordingly, allowing extra time for travel.
BirminghamLive has contacted the fire service for further comment, but as of now, no additional details have been released. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
