Commuters faced significant disruption this morning as two separate crashes on the M6 motorway near Birmingham led to major traffic chaos during the peak rush-hour period. The incidents occurred on both sides of the carriageway, causing extensive delays and prompting emergency responses.
Southbound Blockage and Northbound Collision
The first incident involved a collision on the southbound carriageway between Junction 7 at the A34 Birmingham Road for Great Barr and Junction 6 at the A38 Tyburn Road, commonly known as Spaghetti Junction. This section was completely blocked, leading to traffic being held stationary and creating long queues. According to traffic data monitor Inrix, the blockage resulted in severe delays, with Highways West Midlands confirming that traffic had been stopped entirely.
Emergency Services Response
Emergency services, along with traffic officers, were quickly deployed to the scene to manage the situation. Highways West Midlands reported approximately three miles of congestion building up on the approach to the affected area. Updates were promised to follow as the situation developed, with authorities working to clear the blockage and restore normal traffic flow.
Second Crash on Northbound Side
Simultaneously, a second crash occurred on the northbound side of the M6 between Junction 4a at the M42 and Junction 5 at Castle Bromwich. This involved two vehicles and added to the overall travel chaos, further complicating the morning commute for drivers in the region. The dual incidents on opposite carriageways exacerbated delays, creating a challenging environment for motorists and emergency responders alike.
Impact on Rush-Hour Traffic
The timing of these crashes during the busy morning rush hour led to widespread disruption, with many drivers experiencing significant delays. The combination of blocked lanes and stationary traffic highlighted the vulnerability of key transport routes like the M6 to such incidents. Authorities urged drivers to seek alternative routes if possible and to exercise caution while travelling through the affected areas.
As this is a developing story, further updates are expected as emergency services continue their work on the ground. Motorists are advised to stay informed through official channels for the latest traffic information and guidance.
