Commuters faced travel chaos on Thursday morning as a crucial stretch of the M6 motorway remained completely shut down, creating massive delays and frustration for drivers across the Midlands.
The southbound carriageway between Junction 14 for Stafford North and Junction 13 for Stafford South has been closed since Wednesday evening, with emergency repairs continuing to cause major disruption to the morning rush hour.
Gridlock Conditions and Mounting Delays
National Highways confirmed the closure is affecting traffic between the A34 and A449 junctions, with emergency services and repair crews working through the night to address the issue. The shutdown has triggered:
- Queueing traffic stretching for miles
- Average delay times of 90 minutes
- Severe congestion on surrounding diversion routes
- Significant impact on business and freight transport
Alternative Routes and Driver Advice
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area entirely if possible, with official diversions in place directing traffic off the motorway network. The recommended diversion route takes drivers:
- Exit at J14 and follow the A34 south
- Continue onto the A518
- Rejoin the M6 at J13
However, traffic monitoring systems show these alternative routes are also experiencing heavy congestion, suggesting many drivers are attempting to find their own ways around the closure.
Ongoing Situation and Updates
National Highways has stated that teams are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, but no estimated reopening time has been provided. The organisation is advising drivers to:
- Allow extra journey time
- Check traffic conditions before travelling
- Consider postponing non-essential journeys
- Follow official diversion signs
The closure comes as a fresh blow to Midlands commuters, who have faced repeated disruption on the key motorway network in recent months. Real-time traffic cameras show stationary vehicles stretching back toward Junction 15, with emergency services visible at the scene of the repairs.
