Nightmare M5 roadworks a step closer to completion

A contraflow has been removed, meaning traffic is now back on the correct side of the carriageway heading in both directions, while the speed limit has been increased from 30mph to 40mph.

It will bring some relief for fed-up drivers who regularly use the motorway, where the work has caused misery between Junctions 1 and 2 since 2017.

The section at the Oldbury viaduct has been cut down to two lanes running in either direction at a 30mph speed, often leaving traffic at crawling pace and long tailbacks.

All major concrete and waterproofing repairs on the northbound carriageway in the existing works area have been completed on the scheme, which is the most expensive ever on a UK motorway.

Repair teams will work in the lane either side of the central reservation, carrying out repairs to damaged concrete in these lanes and to the central barrier.

The £100 million project is now into its final phase and is expected to finish in the autumn.

Highways England Midlands regional director, Catherine Brookes, said: “This is a significant milestone in this complex and challenging repair scheme and we’re on the final straight in terms of completing the work.

“We’ve increased the speed limit through the roadworks to 40mph to help motorists and ease congestion.

“And we’d urge drivers to remain vigilant as our repair crews will be working in the central reservation to carry out the remaining safety critical repairs.

“We understand the level of disruption this project involves, and we’d like to thank motorists, businesses and residents for their continued patience.”

The final phase of works will mainly focus on the central reservation and include concrete repairs, replacing the drainage and waterproofing.