M5 repairs could mean two years of traffic hell
HIGHWAYS England are advising drivers to avoid the M5 near Oldbury because of roadworks – which are not set to finish until 2019.
The essential repair and waterproofing of the viaduct between junctions 1 and 2 is due to finish in autumn 2018, with some minor work continuing into spring 2019.
Motorists will feel the impact from mid-summer when there will be a contraflow, narrow lanes and a 30mph speed limit between the affected junctions.
They are being urged to “seek alternative routes” during the major repair scheme.
Highways England said while the 1960s viaduct structure is safe, the work needed to be carried out to protect it for the future.
Slip roads will be kept open throughout, but drivers are advised to expect long delays.
Highways England advise drivers to opt for the M42 and M6 around the east of Birmingham “to keep congestion to a minimum” on the M5 and surrounding roads while work takes place.
It also urged drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys and consider alternative modes port where possible.
Other traffic measures to be put in place include:
Northbound at M5 junction 4a, there will be two lanes leading onto the M42, with one lane continuing onto the M5 to encourage drivers to take the alternative route around Birmingham;
At the link between the M6 and the M5 southbound, one lane will lead onto the M5, with three lanes continuing onto the M6;
There will be reduced speed limits on approach to the 30mph speed restriction between junctions 1 and 2.
Elsewhere in the Midlands motorway drivers will be boosted by a new section of smart motorway between junctions 4a (Bromsgrove) and 6 (Worcester) which was fully opened last week.
The section has an extra lane in both directions to provide more capacity, new overhead signs and signals to give drivers more information and variable speed limits to smooth traffic flow.
The first phase of the scheme between Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa opened last month, with the final phase from Droitwich Spa to Worcester opening this week.
For more information about the work visit www.highways.gov.uk/oldburyviaduct of trans-