Drivers are experiencing significant disruption on the M42 motorway this morning following a serious collision involving two heavy goods vehicles. The incident has led to extensive delays, with traffic backing up for miles on the southbound carriageway.
Incident Details and Lane Closures
The crash occurred at approximately 9:25 AM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, between Junction 9 for Curdworth and Junction 8, which links to the M6 and M6 Toll. Emergency services, including traffic officers, are currently at the scene managing the situation.
As a direct result of the collision, three out of the four lanes on the M42 southbound have been closed to allow for recovery operations. National Highways West Midlands confirmed the closures via social media, stating that lanes 1, 2, and 3 are shut while efforts are made to clear the vehicles involved.
Impact on Travel Times
Motorists are facing considerable delays, with current estimates suggesting journey times are extended by up to an hour. Traffic monitoring service Inrix has reported long queues forming in the area, stretching from the A4097 Kingsbury Road at Curdworth and Coleshill towards the M6 interchange.
The closure is affecting traffic flow not only on the M42 but also on surrounding routes as drivers seek alternative paths. Authorities are advising road users to allow extra time for their journeys or consider postponing non-essential travel if possible.
Recovery and Clearance Efforts
Recovery agents are working alongside traffic officers to remove the HGVs from the carriageway. The priority is to reopen the closed lanes as safely and quickly as possible to restore normal traffic conditions.
Updates on the situation are being provided by National Highways, with further information expected as the clearance progresses. Drivers are urged to follow official traffic alerts for the latest developments.
