Transport bosses have confirmed 23 individual overnight motorway closures are set to hit the Midlands motorway network this week. The closures affect four major motorways in the region: the M1, M5, M6, and M42. National Highways, which runs the English motorway system, has warned drivers to plan ahead for the period from August 17 to 20.
The body said: “Closures generally run 8pm-6am unless they are over 12 hours. If you are travelling in the early morning, please note that your route may be impacted by closures starting the evening before.” This week, most closures actually start slightly later, at 9pm, according to the list provided.
Monday and Tuesday closures
On Monday, August 17, five closures are scheduled. The M42 northbound between Junction 5a and Junction 9 will see a full carriageway closure from 9pm to 6am. The M42 southbound link to the M5 southbound at Junction 4a will also close, as will the M5 northbound link to the M42 northbound at Junction 4a. Two M6 southbound link roads to the M42 at Junction 8 northbound and Junction 7a southbound will be shut during the same hours.
Tuesday, August 18, repeats the Monday closures and adds a sixth: the M6 northbound carriageway between Junction 7 and Junction 10 will close from 9pm to 6am. This brings the total for Tuesday to six closures.
Wednesday and Thursday schedules
On Wednesday, August 19, four closures are listed. The M42 southbound link to the M5 southbound at Junction 4a will close, along with the M5 northbound link to the M42 northbound at Junction 4a. The M5 northbound link arm to the M6 northbound will also close, as will the M6 northbound carriageway between Junction 7 and Junction 10.
Thursday, August 20, sees the most closures, with eight scheduled. The M1 southbound will have its entry slip road at Junction 26 and exit slip road at Junction 29 closed. The M42 southbound link to the M5 southbound at Junction 4a and the M5 northbound link to the M42 northbound at Junction 4a will close again. The M5 northbound link arm to the M6 northbound will also close. The M6 southbound link to the M1 southbound will be shut, along with the M6 northbound carriageway between Junction 7 and Junction 10. Finally, the M6 southbound exit slip road at Junction 13 will close.
All closures operate from 9pm to 6am, unless otherwise stated. National Highways advises drivers to check their routes before setting out, as early morning travel may be affected by closures starting the previous evening.
