2 lanes reopened on northbound M5 in Midlands following lorry fire

You are viewing content from Sunshine Radio Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

Wednesday, 3 January 2018 16:58

Drivers planning to travel northbound on the M5 in the Midlands today are advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time following yesterday's lorry fire at junction 4 near Lydiate Ash.

The ferocious blaze was dealt with by emergency services but the incident led to complications as Highways England worked overnight to recover the vehicle and repair the damaged northbound carriageway at junction 4.

The southbound carriageway was reopened past the scene yesterday, but difficulties in clearing the vehicle and debris delayed the emergency resurfacing work, and Highways England has worked hard to install a temporary repair to lanes 1 and 2 in time for the morning peak.

Lane 3 will remain closed throughout the day and further resurfacing will take place this evening to complete the repair work.

A 50mph speed restriction is in place along the repaired section, and Highways England emergency planning officer Frank Bird said: "We have worked hard overnight to put the repairs in place as quickly as possible and to avoid further disruption through the morning and afternoon peak times.

"The intensity of the fire caused complications in both recovery of the vehicle and clearing debris and that caused a knock-on effect in the time to carry out a full carriageway repair.

"We have worked to ensure we have 2 lanes open for today's peak times and we advise drivers to allow extra time and to consider alternate journeys where possible.

"It will be necessary to carry out a more permanent repair tonight and in advance of this essential work we thank people for their patience."