Severe Collision Brings M42 Northbound to a Standstill
A serious incident on the M42 motorway northbound resulted in all traffic being temporarily held late on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The collision, which occurred near Junction 2, was classified as severe by Highways England, leading to extensive queues and disruptions for motorists.
Timeline of the Motorway Incident
The collision was first reported at 10:35 PM by the traffic monitoring system Inrix. According to their alert, all traffic was being temporarily held on the M42 Northbound from Junction 4A to Junction 2, affecting the area around Hopwood Park Services and Alvechurch. By approximately 10:45 PM, traffic cameras showed large queues building up on the motorway, indicating the severity of the situation.
Highways England confirmed the incident involved a traffic collision, though specific details about the vehicles or any injuries were not immediately disclosed. The agency emphasized the severity of the event, which necessitated the complete halt of northbound flow to manage the scene safely.
Resolution and Reopening
The affected section of the M42 northbound was reopened shortly before 11:15 PM, allowing traffic to resume its normal flow. However, residual delays were expected as the backlog of vehicles cleared. Motorists were advised to check for updates and consider alternative routes if traveling in the area during the late-night hours.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of motorway safety and traffic management in the region. Authorities continue to monitor such events closely to minimize disruptions and ensure public safety on major transport corridors like the M42.
